Leeds motorists warned of road closures as roundabout revamp enters final stage today

Motorists in Leeds are being urged to plan ahead as the final stages of the Lawnswood roundabout revamp start this week, with overnight closures in place.

The controversial roundabout upgrade, aimed at improving safety for all road users, will be completed with essential carriageway works taking place throughout August and into early September.

By improving crossings, reducing vehicle speeds, and introducing cycle lanes, it is hoped the revamp will turn Lawnswood roundabout into a place where everyone can travel easily and safely.

These final works will mean Lawnswood roundabout will be substantially complete in September. To reach this milestone, contractors must carry out overnight carriageway preparation and resurfacing works around the roundabout and on all four approaches.

Coun Peter Carlill, Leeds City Council’s executive member for transport and planning, said: “We are now entering the final stages of the Lawnswood roundabout improvement scheme. I am looking forward to seeing the final scheme that will provide long-term safety benefits for people walking, wheeling, cycling, using public transport and driving through the junction.

“We fully recognise that the upcoming surfacing works will cause disruption for local communities and people travelling through the area. We would like to thank everyone for their continued patience while these essential improvements are completed.”

From today (August 3), there will be overnight road closures with signed diversions in place between 7pm and 6am, Monday to Friday, for up to four weeks. The works will move around the junction in phases, with each approach affected in turn, allowing crews to prepare the road surface ahead of final resurfacing.

The final surfacing phase is scheduled to take place between 7pm and 6am, over four night-time closures, from Tuesday, September 1 until Saturday, September 5, and full day/night roundabout closures from 7pm Saturday, September 5 to 6am Monday, September 7.

To complete the works safely, full overnight closures with diversions on all approaches to the roundabout will be needed.

The programme has been planned to avoid disruption to major events in the city, including the Ironman and Leeds Festival weekends. This means the works will take place during weekday nights rather than at weekends, where possible.

Leeds City Council and its contractors are currently finalising the construction programme, traffic management arrangements and diversion routes. Further information, including detailed diversion maps and dates for each phase, will be shared in advance of the works starting.

“We are working closely with our contractors to minimise disruption wherever possible,” Coun Carlill added. “We will provide detailed updates, including diversion routes, as soon as arrangements have been finalised.

“We would encourage anyone planning to travel through the area during August and early September to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.”