It's the major commuter route connecting Leeds and Bradford with a claim to fame. Stanningley Bypass was opened in the early 1970s aimed at easing traffic congestion. But it's relationship with motorists and city folk has been an uneasy one down the decades. Enjoy these photos, plucked from the YEP archive, which showcase the changing face of the dual carriageway through the years. READ MORE: The story of a rocky road that took Leeds more than 40 years to finish LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
7. Stanningley Bypass
Stanningley Bypass sweeps through this aerial photo taken by former YEP snapper Peter Thacker in March 1988. | Peter Thacker Photo: Peter Thacker
8. Stanningley Bypass
January 1996 and these damaged crash barriers on the central reservation of Stanningley Bypass were cause for concern. Pictured is Denise Thorley of the Automobile Association. | Mark Bickerdike Photo: Mark Bickerdike
9. Stanningley Bypass
Remember when speed cameras were installed on Stanningley Bypass? It was July 1997. | YPN Photo: YPN
10. Stanningley Bypass
Stanningley Bypass has the humdrum distinction of being the first trunk road in the UK to have a high occupancy lane in 1998. | YPN Photo: YPN
11. Stanningley Bypass
It was initially introduced as an experimental scheme but became permanent. | YPN Photo: YPN
12. Stanningley Bypass
The Bypass was plagued by rubbish strewn in the grass verges by the carriageway in January 1996. | YPN Photo: YPN