The English city of Leeds has embarked upon a multi-million euro project to improve a major inner-city corridor that included more bus and cycle lanes.
Construction along Armley Road, being done by BAM Nuttall, started last October with the main focus to introduce new bus lanes. Bus journey times are expected to reduce by 7-8 minutes on average during the peak periods and by up to 15 minutes in comparison with the most delayed services.
Cycle infrastructure in the area will be improved by adding to the existing Cycle Superhighway and through the creation of safer cycle lanes. Pedestrians will benefit from new walking routes and safer crossings.
Work recently started on Pickering Street and Stanningley Road.
The scheme is set to be complete by summer 2022.
“Reducing congestion on the busy A647 corridor will bring sustainable benefits to road users, businesses and residents,” said Andy Crampton, BAM Nuttall’s project director.
The work is part of the northern English city’s Connecting Leeds strategy to improve modes of transport through the greater Leeds area. This includes a new Leeds high-frequency bus network in which more than 90 per cent of bus services will run every 10 minutes between 7am and 8pm. Upwards of 1,000 more bus stops will be set up all with the aim of doubling passengers by 2026.
There will also be three new rail stations serving Leeds-Bradford Airport, Thorpe Park and White Rose areas as well as 2,000 additional park-and-ride spaces. There will be links with the planned mega-project HS2 high-speed rail line from southern England running north.
