Progress is continuing on a £50 million flood protection project in Leeds.

Construction on phase one of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme, which is one the largest river flood defence schemes in the country, got underway in January 2015. The project aims to improve resilience for 3,000 homes and 500 businesses in the region.

A 500-tonne mobile crane has now started to lift four bridge sections over the River Aire to help form a new footbridge. Once in place, there will be four weeks of finishing work on the structure.

Knights Architects provided architectural assistance to the designers who were Mott MacDonald. The bridge is being built over moveable weirs that are already in position at Knostrop. In addition, it is being installed to reconnect the Trans Pennine Trail, following the removal of a section of island between the River Aire and Aire and Calder Navigation for flood risk reduction purposes.


The project has already seen works completed downstream in Woodlesford, and the city centre element which features the introduction of state-of-the-art moveable weirs at Crown Point and Knostrop is due to be completed this September.

City Council Leader Judith Blake said: "It is very pleasing to see the new Knostrop footbridge being installed as part of the final touches of the first phase of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme.

"The bridge design is very attractive and striking, and will offer some fantastic views over the River Aire and of the new moveable weirs which I’m sure people will be keen to come and see for themselves.

"Aside from the reassurance this scheme will offer to residents and businesses against the risk of flooding, it also brings important leisure and environmental benefits due to the views of the river as well as reconnecting the improved Trans Pennine Trail, offering the chance to see otters, salmon and other wildlife making the most of the improving water quality and access down river open for the first time in over 200 years."

(LM/MH)