Leeds Inner Ring Road to be closed for footbridge works

Essential maintenance work to complete the strengthening of the Westgate Footbridge on Leeds Inner Ring Road will take place over two weekends starting this weekend.



Motorists are advised the A58(M) Leeds Inner Ring Road will be closed to traffic in both directions on the weekends of Friday 20 February and Friday 6 March.



The works are part of a programme of ongoing essential maintenance work to upgrade the Inner Ring Road and need to be carried out safely while part of the road is closed.



The first closure will start at 7pm on Friday 20 February 2015 and will finish at 6am on Monday 23 February. The second closure will start at 7pm on Friday 6 March 2015 and will finish at 6am on Monday 9 March 2015.



Westgate Footbridge is located west of Leeds city centre and carries a footway over the A58(M) Leeds Inner Ring Road. Strengthening work to the central pier, with associated upgrading of safety fence, are planned to be completed during these planned closures.



The closures have been scheduled to avoid major city centre weekend events, where possible. An alternative signed route will be in place to help alleviate traffic congestion.



Councillor Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council executive member for transport and the economy, said:



“This is essential maintenance work which cannot be delayed and must be carried out safely, leaving no alternative other than to close the road. We understand that it will cause traffic disruption and have done everything possible to minimise the length of time taken for this work and give people advance notice so they can allow more time for their journeys.”



The extent of the closures will be between:-



Eastbound Traffic

The closure will be between the A58(M) exit slip road at Wellington Street to slip road at Westgate point for Park Lane. Eastbound traffic will be diverted via West Street and the A58.



Westbound Traffic

The closure will be between the A653 Marsh Lane exit slip road and the A58(M) junction with Wellington Street. Westbound traffic will be diverted via the A653 Marsh Lane, the A61, The Calls, Swine gate, Wellington Street back to A58(M).



For information about bridges and highways structures and to download detailed documents about related works visit www.leeds.gov.uk/bridges



ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:

Leeds City Council press office

Tel: 0113 395 0244