Leeds is set to transform Woodhouse Lane with a stunning £20.9 million project designed to create a safer and more welcoming route for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users. This ambitious plan will introduce features such as segregated cycle tracks, wider pavements, and lush greenery, all aimed at enhancing the experience of this crucial city artery connecting key universities and local attractions.

What are the key features of the £20m Woodhouse Lane transformation plans in Leeds?

The £20m Woodhouse Lane transformation in Leeds includes:
– Segregated cycle tracks
– Wider, upgraded pavements
– Beautified public spaces with trees and greenery
– Simplified key junctions for safer crossings and reduced traffic delays
– Extended bus lanes for faster public transport
– Improved bus shelters with real-time information
– Enhanced pedestrian priority with continuous crossings
– New landscaping to enrich the route.

Introduction to Woodhouse Lane’s Transformation

In an ambitious move to revamp urban mobility, Leeds unveils a £20.9 million proposal targeting Woodhouse Lane, a central vein of the city. This extensive plan aims to enhance the experience for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users, bridging the core of Leeds with the Hyde Park and Woodhouse areas. The detailed scheme follows a public consultation that sought to uncover the challenges faced by commuters and the improvements they desired along this pivotal route.

Public Consultation Insights

The feedback from the initial public consultation was crystal clear. Residents voiced concerns over four primary issues that detracted from the safety and utility of the area:

1. Cycle provision was deemed unsafe or inadequate.
2. Difficulties in safely crossing the road were prevalent.
3. Cycle paths lacked protection from both road traffic and pedestrians.
4. Congestion and high traffic volumes were causing significant delays.

The enhancements residents wish to see include protected cycle tracks, new pedestrian and cycle crossings, addition of greenery, and widened pavements. Prioritization of these improvements was also given, with pedestrian environment upgrades leading the list, closely followed by better cycling facilities, making the route accessible to all, including those with disabilities, and the enhancement of bus journey reliability. The insights gleaned can be explored further here.

Proposed Enhancements

The proposals, shaped by the initial feedback, encompass a wide array of improvements to the Woodhouse Lane corridor:

• Segregated cycle tracks will be introduced along key sections including Woodhouse Lane and Blenheim Terrace.
• Pedestrians will enjoy wider, upgraded pavements and the possibility to relax at street cafes.
• Public spaces will be beautified with trees, benches, and greenery, notably at Cavendish Road and Lodge Street.
• Key junctions will be simplified to enhance traffic flow, thus reducing delays for buses and making crossings safer for everyone.
• Newly extended bus lanes will aim to expedite public transport travel.
• Pedestrian crossings are to be made wider and straighter, facilitating easier access across the route.
• Bus shelters will be upgraded with improved facilities, real-time information, and potentially self-seedum roofs for eco-friendliness.
• Continuous crossings on certain streets will prioritize pedestrian movement.
• The addition of new trees and landscaping will enrich the entire route.

This scheme is a collaborative effort with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, largely funded by the City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement, supplemented by developer contributions.

The Route’s Significance and Current Challenges

The Woodhouse Lane Gateway is not just a thoroughfare; it’s a lifeline for three of the city’s universities—University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, and Leeds Arts University—as well as for many leisure and hospitality ventures such as The Light, Merrion Centre, and St John’s Centre. Despite being one of the busiest cycle routes in Leeds, the area’s safety record is concerning, with 161 reported casualties since 2014, including 32 serious injury collisions. Over half of these incidents involved pedestrians or cyclists.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, the council’s advocate for sustainable development, emphasizes the route’s importance as a key artery into and out of Leeds City Centre. He underlines the current dangers for all road users, emphasizing the need for transformation in support of the council’s carbon neutrality ambitions and the Leeds Transport Strategy. These plans promise not only to enhance the area’s visual appeal but also to offer new public spaces, safer travel options, and a stride towards the Leeds Safe Roads Vision Zero 2040 Strategy, which aims to eliminate road deaths by 2040. Residents are encouraged to review and comment on these transformative plans.

Community Engagement and Next Steps

The community’s input is instrumental as Leeds forges ahead with these travel and infrastructure plans. Public engagement is crucial, with the council urging everyone who uses this route to provide their input before the consultation wraps up.

Councillor Peter Carlill, with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of public feedback in creating a safer, more connected West Yorkshire. There are various ways the public can engage:

• Detailed information and a short survey are available online.
• Two drop-in events are scheduled for direct interaction with the project team:
• Thursday, 21st November 2024 – at The Merrion Centre.
• Tuesday, 26th November 2024 – at Parkinson’s Court.
• Paper surveys are also available upon request via email at connectingleeds@leeds.gov.uk or by phone at 0113 336 8868.

The window for public feedback closes at 11.59pm on Monday, 16th December 2024. This is a chance for the community to partake in shaping the future of one of Leeds’ most vital transport routes, ensuring it meets the needs and expectations of all users for years to come.

• Leeds is launching a £20.9 million project to transform Woodhouse Lane, enhancing safety and accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users.
• The proposal includes features such as segregated cycle tracks, wider pavements, and beautified public spaces with trees and greenery.
• Public feedback highlighted concerns over safety, inadequate cycle provision, and high traffic congestion, guiding the proposed enhancements.
• Key improvements will simplify junctions, extend bus lanes, and prioritize pedestrian crossings to create a safer travel environment.
• The transformation aligns with Leeds’ carbon neutrality ambitions and the Vision Zero 2040 Strategy, aiming to eliminate road deaths by 2040.