Part of a busy Kirkstall road could be closed until mid-December to allow for vital repair works to be carried out.
Yorkshire Water are carrying out the work following a burst water main caused flooding on Morris Lane, between Abbey Walk and Hesketh Mount, on 9 October. It was revealed at the time that work would last around ten weeks – and that the road would be reopened sooner if possible.
The emergency road closure has been causing disruption to people living nearby – as well as people travelling between central Kirkstall and the Hawksworth estate or West Park.
Yorkshire Water say the work involved ‘a very complicated repair with a number of aspects involved’.
“Firstly it is a 7.5-metre deep excavation, this is much deeper than normal and special health and safety procedures have to be put in place,” the letter said.
“Secondly there is high voltage electrical network in close vicinity to where we are working, therefore we need to carefully survey the area and work with the other utilities to ensure these are not disturbed or risk the safety of our colleagues.”
A letter sent to residents adds: “We know this type of unplanned work can be particularly disruptive and would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
“We’re working closely with local bus companies and Leeds City Council to keep disruption to a minimum. There will be updated bus routes and a temporary bus stop at the junction of Kepstorn Close – please check details with the bus operator ahead of travel.
“We’re working as quickly as we can to return everything to normal. As soon as we can reopen the road, we will.”
Cllr Fiona Venner (Lab, Kirkstall) has been liaising with Yorkshire Water over the issue and has attempted to expedite the work. She has been dealing with issues over bin collections, public transport and access.
Kirkstall’s councillors posted on social media: “We’re in contact with officers in the council’s highways department and with Yorkshire Water to ensure that everyone is kept informed as to progress and the inconvenience arising from the closure is kept to a minimum.”
A knock-on effect of the Morris Lane closure is that planned maintenance work on pavements in Kirkstall Lane has been postponed until 2025.
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