By George Jenkins
Kirkstall residents have expressed concern over works to improve traffic flow and signalling at the busy junction near Kirkstall Bridge.
The works, which took place between 6-17 April, aimed to fix traffic flow issues and modernise traffic signals, and caused lane closures and delays throughout.
But, with over a month passing since the changes were made, drivers have spoken out about the busy junction connecting Broad Lane, Wyther Lane, Leeds and Bradford Road and Bridge Road.
Locals have taken to social media to share their opinions on the works, with some saying they have found no difference in delays during peak hours. Others have said they have seen an improvement in their journey times.
One driver, Kirstie Chambers, told WLD: “For me, at peak times, I’ve not seen any improvements. It doesn’t help when the council keeps giving planning permission for things like Burger King, which encourages more traffic.”
One notable difference is the removal of the left turn from Wyther Lane to Leeds and Bradford Road. One resident told WLD that drivers who previously used it now have to use residential streets such as Kirkstall Avenue and Broadlea Terrace as a rat run.
But others believe the removal was necessary, as the turning was minimally used and reportedly improves the efficiency of the traffic light sequence by 30%.
One resident said: “It can get really jammed up here (Bridge Road), and people skip the lights and sit in the junction, which I think is what causes most of the problems.”
Another, a father, said: “When the works were going on, they installed a temporary pedestrian crossing, which helped as I have young children, and it made crossing much safer, but they’ve now taken it away.
“I think the problem is with the sequence of lights; I think that’s what’s affecting the flow of traffic, and that’s why people aren’t happy.”
Some believe the congestion is inevitable, as crossing the River Aire is only possible at three points in West Leeds- using Canal Road in Armley, Horsforth New Road in Rodley, or Bridge Road in Kirkstall.
“I think it has improved journey times,” Martin Pearson said. “I haven’t been stuck for as along at leak times. Kirkstall is a nightmare for traffic anyway, whatever they do it won’t make much difference.”
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “The primary reason for the works at the junction of Broad Lane, Wyther Lane, Leeds Bradford Road and Bridge Road was to replace ageing traffic signal infrastructure that was in poor condition.
“Whilst undertaking these works, the opportunity was taken to also make some changes to the junction operation to improve efficiency by restricting movements with very low traffic volumes. These changes improve the pedestrian facilities by enabling them to run every cycle and increasing the pedestrian green time across Leeds and Bradford Road.
“Although this junction continues to be busy it now operates more efficiently.
“As with all major changes to the highway network, we are continuing to monitor and welcome feedback on how the junction is operating.”
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