Balfour Beatty has taken over from Carillion to deliver the multi-million pound East Leeds Orbital Road (ELOR) project.

The failed industry services firm was awarded the contract in January, just one week before it entered into compulsory liquidation.

Balfour Beatty will now deliver the first two phases of the ELOR, which include implementing improvements to a number of existing Outer Ring Road junctions, as well as developing the design for the main ELOR. The initial highway works are part of the wider East Leeds Extension (ELE) programme, including development of land at Thorpe Park and Manston Lane Link Road.

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Planned to start in the summer of 2018 and lasting for approximately 15 months, the main ELOR construction will then move forward from late 2019 subject to statutory approvals and land acquisition.

Cllr Richard Lewis said: "This is great news for the long term future of East Leeds and the city as a whole. The investment in ELOR will make for better, more efficient journeys and the new and improved roads will move and manage traffic away from existing residential areas. Not only this, but updated pedestrian and cycleway infrastructure and carefully designed landscaping and drainage are planned. This will make things better for cyclists and walkers, with our carefully considered landscape plans making a difference to areas at risk of flooding.

"ELE and ELOR will also see extra jobs, homes and transport improvements - significant opportunities as ELE and the new orbital road play their part in Leeds's continued economic growth and success.

"I welcome the interest and responses we have seen to consultation and engagement, helping us ensure plans can reflect local needs and views. I look forward to seeing the development delivering for people in Leeds in coming years."

(LM)