Work to begin on £12m walking and cycling scheme

A "transformative" cycling and walking project that will link the north and south parts of Leeds city centre will commence in the new year, the city council has said.

The £12.76m Leeds City Links scheme aims to create safer, greener and more inclusive spaces and will include wider pavements, segregated bike tracks and improved traffic management.

Leeds City Council also announced a number of road closures and diversions that would be in place while the work is carried out.

Construction would begin on 5 January and was expected to take just over 12 months, the authority said.

In the north part of the city, including Great George Street and Merrion Street, the improvements include creating room for outdoor cafes and a reduction in on-street parking as well as enhanced pedestrian crossings.

Meanwhile on Great George Street and Woodhouse Lane junction there would be new trees and greenery which would make for a "nicer" environment, said the council.

The southern section of the scheme includes works on Kirkgate, Wharf Street and High Court from Leeds Minster to Shears Yard and will involve a two-way cycle track and permanently closing one road lane.

The council also said there would be a temporary road closure on Great George Street between Dudley Way and Woodhouse Lane from 26 January for 11 weeks to speed up construction deliveries.

The road behind Leeds Town Hall will be reduced to one lane but access to all shops along Great George Street will remain in place and access into Leeds General Infirmary will also remain unchanged.

A full list of the roadworks is available here.

The scheme is being funded by the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, from the council's economy, transport and sustainable development department, said: "Leeds City Links is the next major transformation to Leeds City Centre.

"It will create safer, greener and more inclusive spaces that encourage walking and cycling, helping Leeds' residents move about in sustainable ways whilst reducing the risk of road deaths and serious injuries in line with our Vision Zero 2040 Strategy, alongside supporting the city's growth ambitions."

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