Detailed plans to redevelop Armley Gyratory should be advanced as soon as possible and co-ordinate with other major highway schemes to minimise disruption to motorists, a Leeds City Council report has said.
The council last year announced plans to revamp the roundabout, by building a new road that cuts straight through it and installing new crossings, traffic lights, footpaths and cycling and pedestrian walkways.
This week council highways officers approved the preliminary design of the proposed scheme and allow progression to the detailed design and construction phase. They also authorised the appointment of Balfour Beattie to carry out the work.
The report also released £5 million to fund the detailed design, which it said should be advanced as soon as possible.
This will allow work times to be co-ordinated with a range of other major schemes – including Regent Street Flyover, Meadow Lane, Bishopgate Street Enhancement and Neville Street – all of which are leading towards the closure of City Square to general through traffic by 2023.
The report said:
“Over the next 5-10 years, Leeds city centre will be the focus of major changes through a series of infrastructure investments aimed at betterment and transformation of public transport and public realm.
“The works at the Armley Gyratory are fundamental to the removal of unnecessary through traffic from the city centre, unlocking the potential of City Square and other public realm schemes.”
It seems that highway planners change their plans as much as staff/MP’s change. If this is such a great idea, how come it was not done years ago?
Why don’t they just build a bridge over the roundabout? I appreciate train lines are a problem near the junctions, but the chaos caused for the next few years will cause major delays.