The latest Connecting Leeds Newsletter is below:
Connecting Leeds Newsletter
August 2022
City Square: Initial works to begin 4th September
Preliminary works to transform City Square into a more people-first environment will begin from 00:00 Sunday 4 September. Vehicular access through City Square on Wellington Street past the railway station and The Queens Hotel will be restricted to local property access only.
The highways works will divert all traffic away from City Square ready for its full traffic closure in February 2023.
Leeds to Bradford transport improvements complete
The A647 Stanningley Road bus infrastructure improvements to ease congestion in peak times along the Leeds to Bradford route is complete.
The key objective of the scheme is to reduce bus journey times between Leeds and Bradford by 7-8 minutes on average during peak periods.
First West Yorkshire has also invested £8.1m in 28 new double-deck, ultra-low emission buses that will operate along the dedicated corridor on services X6 and 72, resulting in reducing harming pollutants by up to 95%.
Motorcycles in bus lanes trial
From Friday 29 July 2022 to Friday 28 July 2023, motorcycles (including mopeds) in Leeds can use the A65 bus lanes between Kirkstall and the city centre.
The 12-month trial period’s aim is to support motorcycling as an alternative to car travel on the corridor and improve safety for motorcyclists.
The trial is applicable both inbound and outbound lanes from the city centre by the TGI Friday’s junction, along Kirkstall on the A65, up to the junction with Butlers Wharf (Kirkstall Forge entrance). These bus lanes are operational on a 24/7 basis.
National Highways M621 Key Improvements
National Highways are undertaking key improvements to junctions 1-7 on the M621, Leeds.
The second phase of works start this month and National Highways have set up a virtual hall for you to find out more about the scheme, including the schedule of works.
Video highlight: See behind the scenes of the UK’s first solar-powered park and ride
Stourton in Leeds is home to the UK’s first fully solar-powered park and ride, served by electric buses running every 10-20 minutes to the city centre. A new behind the scenes video tour showcases some of the facility’s innovative green technology including the impressive solar canopy, electric vehicle charge points and a huge battery storage facility so that charge points and the terminus building can be powered even when the sun isn’t shining.
Park & Ride gives a cheaper and viable alternative to the car this summer
Have you tried Park & Ride yet? It's cheaper, quicker and easier than parking in the city centre, and it can help families enjoy Leeds for less this summer.
By downloading the free MCard mobile app on Google Play or Apple app stores customers can purchase mobile tickets and save an extra 10% if they buy in bulk, ready to use as and when over the summer.