Improvements to beat traffic congestion on the Outer Ring Road – including a potential new cycle superhighway through West Leeds – have moved a step closer to reality.
But road users may have to wait until after 2021 to benefit.
A council report seen by the West Leeds Dispatch says congestion is evident on a daily basis, particularly at the junctions with the A58 (Whitehall Road) and A62 (Gelderd Road).
Concerns have also been raised about the A6110 junctions to the south of M621 Junction 1, particularly with the A643 (Elland Road, Manor Mill Lane), and the junction which provides shared access to both the White Rose Office Park and the White Rose Shopping Centre in south Leeds.
The council report gives approval for an independent consultant to be brought in to develop plans and a business case for the improvements, which would cost around £19 million.
Proposals also include potential segregated cycle facilities to link with the cycle superhighway in Stanningley and pedestrian crossings.
The report says:
“It is acknowledged that the interventions are likely to have impact on downstream junctions and highway links, both towards Leeds City Centre and on the A6110 Outer Ring Road itself. The consultant will be required to assess and report on the implications, identifying locations were future interventions may be required.
“Feasibility works for a segregated cycle superhighway running from the White Rose Shopping Centre to Cycle Superhighway 1 in Stanningley and the provision of additional pedestrian crossings on the Outer Ring Road itself are to be developed within this workstream, creating alternative choices for users of the stretch of road to take.”
The report stresses proposals are at an early stage and will be subject to a full public consultation.