UPDATE 3.30pm: A647 Stanningley Bypass has now reopened.
ORIGINAL POST: Emergency work is today being carried out on the A647 Stanningley Bypass to repair part of the road surface which has risen due to the current heat wave.
Concerned motorists last night reported that one section of the road had risen by up to six inches., and a council inspection found some of the large concrete panels which make up the road had expanded.
The council closed one lane and redirected traffic, as well as reducing speeds along the area of road concerned.
The decision was taken to close the city-bound carriageways at 9.30am this morning to allow repairs to begin.
A council spokesperson said:
“Every effort is being made to get the road reopened by 3.30pm for the start of the afternoon peak traffic and rush hour. As a minimum it is expected that at least one lane of the city-bound carriageway will be open and the outbound access will be unaffected.”
There is a short diversion route currently in effect at Henconner Lane slip road, which rejoins the bypass off Bramley Town End Roundabout. The Urban Traffic Management and Control are continually monitoring the traffic lights at Henconner Lane in order to keep traffic moving as steadily as possible.
Leeds City Council executive member for regeneration, transport and planning Councillor Richard Lewis said:
“We are doing everything we can to get this road repaired and reopened before the afternoon rush begins. Our team responded very quickly last night and as a result of that, to our knowledge, there has been no damage to any vehicles. Unfortunately, one of the downsides of the current heatwave is the stress that it puts on our road surfaces.
“Unlike many other roads in Leeds, Stanningley carriageway is particularly vulnerable due to its method of construction using large concrete panels which expand when exposed to very high temperatures. In the meantime we are working tirelessly to minimise disruption to journeys and we thank everyone for their patience. With the hot spell expected to continue, we will be also keeping a very close eye on this stretch of road for the rest of the week.”
The council is currently reviewing this issue with the aim of identifying a long-term solution.
The issues come almost exactly a year since the Bypass experienced similar problems during a heatwave last summer (pictured, top). Parts of the Bypass were resurfaced by the council last Spring.