Works have commenced to reduce flooding in Apperley Bridge as part of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 2 (Leeds FAS2).

The works will run alongside the River Aire as it flows through the village, from the area of Bottom Farm on Apperley Road up to Harrogate Road, as well at Woodhouse Grove School. The works feature new flood walls and embankments, a pumping station and strengthening of Apperley Lane Bridge. It will begin in March 2022 and is scheduled to be complete by spring 2023.

Ground investigation works mean that Apperley Lane Bridge is estimated to be closed between the April 27 – May 20 2022. There are plans for a diversion onto the nearby Harrogate Road Bridge (A658) during this time. There will be further closures to Apperley Lane Bridge later in the year for works to be carried out, dates for future closures will be confirmed in the due course.

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New walls will also be constructed along lengths of Carr Beck where it meets the River Aire to ensure that flood risk is not increased in this area.

Updates on work progress, successes and necessary disruption will be provided as appropriate by the FAS2 engagement team and on the Leeds FAS Twitter page. Residents or businesses can find out more about the progress of the scheme, including works in Apperley Bridge, by signing up to the FAS2 mailing list, or visiting the FAS2 updates web page.

Leeds FAS2 is made up of a combination of catchment-wide natural flood management, as well as traditional engineering that stretches for 14km along the River Aire between Leeds Train Station and Apperley Bridge.

When it is complete in autumn 2023, Leeds FAS2 will reduce flood risk to a 0.5% probability of occurring in any given year (a 1-in-200-year level of flood protection) for 1,048 homes and 474 businesses. This level of protection includes an allowance for climate change up to 2069 and will be effective for similar events to the boxing day floods in 2015, which cost Leeds an estimated £36.8m and the city region more than £500m.