Underground reservoir latest step in roads upgrade

An underground reservoir designed to prevent flooding is the latest phase of works on a main route connecting Leeds and Bradford.

Work began on the A647 Dawsons Corner and Stanningley Bypass upgrade in May 2025 and is due to be completed early next year.

The next step is the installation of a water attenuation tank, which stores excess rain before releasing it slowly at a controlled rate into the existing drainage system.

Ian Waite, Dawsons Corner project manager, said the tank was a "significant part" of the project.

"In simple terms, it cuts rainwater during heavy rainfall periods and prevents it from overwhelming the drainage network," he said.

The tank itself is a large concrete structure that will hold about 650 cubic metres - or about 143,000 gallons - of water.

Its installation is necessary due the increase in tarmacked surfaces as part of the upgrade.

"We've created additional impermeable areas – so that's roads – and obviously water can't soak through roads," Waite added.

"As a result of this, that additional surface water needs somewhere to go.

"One of the key benefits is flood risk reduction – by limiting the discharge, it will ultimately reduce flooding of the existing underground drainage network, but also potentially nearby properties and watercourses."

Leeds City Council said the £44m upgrade was still on track to be completed in early 2027.

The Department for Transport previously said the works would speed up car and bus journeys, reduce air pollution and improve safety in the area.

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