Construction work begins on Leeds city centre route with high casualties

Construction work is set to start on a major project aimed at creating a safer, greener and more connected Leeds.

The Westgate Connector scheme, funded by £6 million from Active Travel England (ATE), and delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority ,is designed to tackle longstanding issues along the route, including limited pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and high collision rates.

The area forms a popular route, with over 4,200 people walking, wheeling, and cycling along Burley Street daily.

With high footfall from students and a complex road layout, crossing the road at Westgate Gyratory and Hanover Way can feel unsafe.

Figures show between 2021 and 2025, there were 39 reported casualties along this route, including 7 serious casualties, highlighting the need for these improvements.

By introducing a new two-way segregated cycle lane, improving pedestrian crossings, and redesigned junctions, the scheme will enable people to travel more safely and enhance connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians.

Once complete, the scheme will extend the cycle network to the west of the city centre making it easier to cycle in and around Leeds, make journeys safer for people walking, wheeling and cycling, improve pedestrian crossings, making it safer for people to cross the road, improve the experience for bus users by upgrading and relocating bus stops and improve safety for all, particularly the most vulnerable road users.

The council’s appointed contractor Bethell is set to construct the scheme, which is scheduled to continue until summer 2027.

During the first four weeks, works will primarily take place Monday – Friday, (7.30am-5pm) and will include:

* Works to prepare new traffic signals and carriageway works at the Park Lane/Hanover Way junction and the improved crossing near Rutland Mount

* Utility diversion works on Park Lane to facilitate improved bus shelters

* Works at Westgate Point to extend existing cycle facilities and form the new segregated cycle crossing.

* From week beginning Monday, November 9, traffic management will be in place, with 24/7 lane closures. Clearly signed diversion routes and temporary bus stops will be provided where required, with routes kept open wherever possible. Works will also be undertaken overnight when practical to minimise disruption. Residents and businesses that are directly affected will receive further communication.

Councillor Tom Hinchcliffe, Leeds City Council’s executive member for transport and planning said: “The Burley Road to Westgate project is a step towards our vision for a safer, greener, and more connected Leeds.

“By providing dedicated cycling and walking spaces, we can prioritise safety and support the city’s goals for health, sustainability, and reducing carbon emissions.”

The project aligns with Leeds City Council’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions, promoting active travel, and supporting Vision Zero, which aims to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries in Leeds by 2040.

Michael Holmes, managing director at Bethell, said: “Bethell is proud to have been selected to deliver these improvements at Westgate. We will carefully phase the work to minimise disruption while creating safer and better-connected routes for people walking, wheeling and cycling. The project will also support local employment and apprenticeship opportunities across the Leeds city region.”