Introduction to Upcoming Roadworks
Leeds City Council has issued an advisory for motorists who frequently cross Victoria Bridge, highlighting the necessity of planning ahead due to scheduled off-peak closures. The closures are slated for the early days of February and are part of a broader initiative aimed at ensuring the safety of highway operatives. Those traveling from Junction 3 of the M621 into Leeds city centre, commonly via the bridge near Bridgewater Place, will need to adjust their travel plans accordingly.
The work is a critical component of the ongoing developments along Sovereign Street and Neville Street. As part of these improvements, the closures will facilitate the safe execution of operations adjacent to the bridge. The scheduled times for the inbound lane closure are as follows:
- Sunday 4 February: from 7am to 7pm
- Monday 5 February: from 9am to 3pm
- Tuesday 6 February: from 9am to 3pm
Diversionary Routes and Travel Advice
During the specified hours of closure, a well-thought-out diversion will be in place to assist motorists in navigating around the city centre effectively. It is designed to minimize disruption while allowing access to essential areas of the city. The recommended alternative route is:
- Start from Great Wilson Street
- Make a left turn onto Crown Point Road
- Proceed over Crown Point Bridge
- Take a left onto East Street, and continue along to Kirkgate
- Turn left at High Court and proceed onto The Calls
- Follow through to Call Lane and then Swinegate
Upon reaching Swinegate, motorists have two choices to continue their journey:
- Option 1: Proceed onto Bishopgate Street, turning right to access Boar Lane, Lower Basinghall Street, and Mill Hill.
- Option 2: From Swinegate, travel onto Bishopgate Street and turn left, driving along Neville Street heading out of the city centre towards the outbound lane of Victoria Bridge.
This detour is also the route for those looking to return to Junction 3 of the M621 or exit the city. Importantly, access to Water Lane inbound via Victoria Road will remain unaffected.
Statements from Leeds City Council
Councillor Helen Hayden, the executive member for sustainable development and infrastructure at Leeds City Council, has emphasized the essential nature of the inbound lane closure on Victoria Bridge. Councillor Hayden remarked:
“Closing the inbound lane of Victoria Bridge is unavoidable and essential to ensure the safety of colleagues working on site, but we recognize that some disruption is inevitable and have timed the closure to reduce its impact on motorists and the road network.”
Further to this, Councillor Hayden has provided guidance for those affected:
“We would encourage motorists who typically travel along this route into the city centre to take notice of the diversion and plan their journeys in advance. This could include allowing extra time, traveling at a different time of day, or considering an alternative method of travel.”
The council is committed to ensuring that the necessary works causing these disruptions are completed efficiently and safely, with an emphasis on minimizing the impact on the city’s residents and visitors. Motorists are urged to heed the advice, plan their journeys with care, and remain informed about the ongoing and future traffic management schemes in Leeds.
For the latest updates on road closures and travel advice in Leeds, please visit the Leeds City Council Traffic Advisories page.