Readers brand Leeds city centre 'undriveable' as Great George Street becomes one-way
Leeds city centre has been branded “undriveable” as work gets underway to transform a key route into a one-way system.
Preparation work has started to install a one-way system on Great George Street, between Oxford Place and Park Street at Leeds General Infirmary.
It forms part of the £12.76million Leeds City Links scheme, which aims to help upgrade key walking and cycling routes in the city, and is funded by the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement partnered with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Due to complete in early 2027, the scheme is designed to complement wider city centre initiatives such as the Woodhouse Lane Gateway scheme. Reacting on Facebook, YEP readers criticised the plans for making driving through the centre even more difficult.
Christopher Morgan said: “It won't be long before all streets in the centre of Leeds will be one-way, with all of them leading away. Leeds city council are doing their very best to make it ever increasingly harder to access the city if you're a motorist.”
Chris Martin said: “The Council is determined to make it as difficult as possible to get to LGI,” while Peter Henry added: “Leeds is like Scalextric set, only one way. But slower.”
A one-way system will be installed on Great George Street between Oxford Place and Park Street (Leeds General Infirmary). Traffic will be able to travel west along this short stretch of road during the works.
Two-way traffic to Oxford Row will be maintained during this period. The short section of Great George Street between Leighton Street and Park Street will remain open to two-way traffic but traffic signals will be installed.
To deliver the works at Calverley junction safely and efficiently, contractors will have to narrow the top of Oxford Place and Great George Street (behind Leeds Town Hall) to one lane running east across the junction with Calverley Street.
Calling for improved public transport links, Anna Hodgson said: “Improve the bloody public transport in Leeds before spending a fortune on cycling lanes. Far more people need help with getting across Leeds to work and to study.”
Echoing this, Lee Taylor said: “Spend money on more buses routes and cheaper fairs for people who need it. Mums with kids don’t need cycle lanes they need public transport.”
Access to all shops along Great George Street will remain in place throughout the works, and access into Leeds General Infirmary will remain unchanged, however vehicles leaving Thoresby Place will not be able to turn right onto Great George Street. Instead, vehicles will be able to leave the area using Park Street.
A temporary road closure will be implemented on Great George Street, between Dudley Way and Woodhouse Lane, from January 26 for 11 weeks, enabling accelerated delivery and significant cost savings for the council.
The northern corridor of the scheme includes:
- Great George Street from Leighton Street to Woodhouse Lane.
- Great George Street/Merrion Street/Woodhouse Lane junction.
- Merrion Street from Woodhouse Lane to New Briggate.
Work here includes:
- Significantly widening the pavements, which will give pedestrians more space and create opportunities for businesses to have outdoor cafes.
- Providing a segregated cycle two-way cycle track along the whole length of the corridor, with links to existing cycle provision, ensuring a safe, separate space for people to cycle.
- Selective reduction of on-street parking to accommodate wider pavements and the cycle track.
- New or enhanced pedestrian crossings, which will be located on better desire lines, and will be straight-across crossings.
- Separated cycle crossings at junctions.
- Major enhancements to the Great George Street/Woodhouse Lane junction, which will create a nicer environment and easier places to cross.
- New trees and greenery throughout.
The southern corridor of the scheme includes:
- Kirkgate, Wharf Street, and High Court from Leeds Minster to Shears Yard.
- The Calls, Call Lane, Swinegate, Concordia Street and Sovereign Street from Shears Yard to Sovereign Street junction.
Work here includes:
- Widening the pavements, giving pedestrians more space.
- Providing a segregated two-way cycle track along the whole length of the corridor, ensuring a safe, separate space for people to cycle.
- New or enhanced pedestrian crossings.
- Permanent reduction in number of road lanes from two lanes to one, making space for safer pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.