Construction update and lane closures at Lawnswood roundabout as 12-month revamp continues
Works to improve safety at the Lawnswood roundabout junction in Leeds are continuing at pace.
Construction on the controversial revamp to the Lawnswood roundabout junction of the A6120 Outer Ring Road and A660 Otley Road, started in August and continues to gather pace despite the worsening weather conditions.
The scheme, which forms part of the Connecting Leeds strategy and is expected to last around 12 months, aims to improve crossing facilities along the key route - a major barrier for walking and cycling, especially given the proximity to Lawnswood school.
Despite its aim to improve overall safety at the junction, the scheme has faced heavy criticism from residents since it was first pitched back in 2023. Speaking to the YEP earlier this year, residents branded the scheme a “waste of money,” while others criticised plans to reduce the speed limit along the route.
In an update the Leeds City Council-run team at Connecting leeds said: “Last week we continued installing the oversized pipe work in the central roundabout. We have completed manhole two and are proceeding towards manhole one.
“The hydro break is now in place – this slows the flow of water when required (for example during heavy rainfall), before it is discharged into the Yorkshire Water system. This is part of the attenuation system, designed to reduce the impact of large volumes of water on the wider network.
“In phase eight (central reservation of the eastern arm) we are continuing excavations. Last week the area tested favourably for stability and bearing capacity, despite the wet conditions. We are starting to place the stone and lay kerbs in this area.”
Work is described as “progressing well” and lane closures remain in place along the route, between 9.30am and 3.30pm each day. Between 2020 and 2024, the junction suffered from a poor safety record with 25 recorded injuries at the roundabout, including six serious injuries.
Plans, led by Leeds City Council’s chosen construction partner Eric Wright Group, include introducing changes to both the roundabout and surrounding area including turning the junction into a signalised roundabout.
There will also be deduced speed limits from 70mph on A6120 Ring Road to 40mph and 50mph respectively. Plus a slight extension to the existing southbound bus lane on Otley Road. Click here for a full breakdown of the work completed so far.