Motorists are being urged to plan ahead as the next phase of works starts on the mult-million pound revamp of Armley Gyratory.
Starting on Monday 13 May, sees the next phase with the installation of the new Spence Lane footbridge over the Armley Gyratory and works planned to end by 11am Sunday 19 May. It will be the second of three footbridges completed around the Gyratory with new wider and more accessible footways.
Spence Lane footbridge spans 32.9 metres long, four metres wide and weighs 39.5 tonnes. It will cross over the A643 and join either side by two new accessible ramps to better meet the needs of non-motorised users and people with disabilities. All the new upgraded footbridges are designed to ensure they will need less maintenance work and inspection, over future decades.
The transport of the new ramps weighing 75.9 tonnes, crane lift and complex bridge engineering means the ramps are delivered in sections and joined together on site. To reduce the amount of disruption to traffic it’s undertaken at night from 13 – 18 May. There will be road and partial lane closures with signed diversions in place. During Saturday night on 18 May the main span will be transported to the Armley Gyratory under police escort from junction 2 of the M621.
Changes due to Leeds United play-off match 16 May
Due to the forthcoming Leeds United match on Thursday, 16 May, the council has worked with suppliers, contractors and partners to adjust the previous published schedule. There will be a delayed start of works from 11pm until after the match ends. The works on Sunday are intended to finish in good time for the international T20 England versus Pakistan match, subject to weather and any unforeseen circumstances.
Diversions
Monday 13 May to Friday 17 May
To allow for Spence Lane work, motorists are advised there will be five night-time closures, from Monday 13 May to Friday 17 May as below:
- Monday 8pm – 5.30am
- Tuesday 8pm – 5.30am
- Wednesday 8pm – 6.30am
- Thursday 11pm – 6.30am
- Friday 7pm – 6.30am
The A643 northbound carriageway is closed from junction 2 (M621) to the Gyratory. The full closure allows for police escort requirement for delivery of any ramp sections. There is a diversion of five miles.
Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May
The Spence Lane main span works will take place on Saturday 18 May over one night from 7pm to 11am Sunday 19 May. The crane is placed on the A643 northbound carriageway. Traffic will be running in lane 4 of the gyratory during this operation.
The A643 northbound carriageway will be closed. The Gyratory exit to Wellington South will also be closed. Traffic will be running in one lane around the gyratory to allow for sufficient working space. The A643 northbound carriageway is closed at the Wortley Lane junction, with access provided for traffic to Wortley Lane northbound only from Junction 2 (M621). There is a signed diversion of 13 miles in place to accommodate all classes of vehicles.
Due to the length of the main span, the delivery of this will be via M621 junction 2. The load will travel north along the A643 northbound carriageway before crossing onto the A643 southbound carriageway. The transport will continue north on the A643 southbound carriageway (against the flow of traffic) until it reaches the Gyratory. This movement will be fully controlled by the police and the timing is between 8.30pm – 9.45pm.
Pedestrian Diversion Main Span Installation
Further details about the works are on the project website.
For the Armley Gyratory footway for people walking or wheeling, there will be a diversion in place until summer 2024, while works take place on constructing the new bridges.
The work schedule and activity are weather dependent which could change or delay work taking place.
Drivers won’t take any notice of these warnings and plan ahead, they’ll just get caught up in it and whinge to the press afterwards.