Construction work is set to begin on 11 August at Lawnswood roundabout, one of north Leeds' busiest junctions, as part of a major scheme aimed at improving road safety and accessibility for all users.

The project, which sits within the Connecting Leeds strategy, will deliver a series of upgrades to the junction of the A6120 Outer Ring Road and A660 Otley Road, an area used by nearly 50,000 vehicles daily. The works are expected to take approximately 12 months to complete.

The scheme responds to long-standing safety concerns and aims to address the lack of safe crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly due to the roundabout’s proximity to Lawnswood School. Between 2020 and 2024, 25 injury collisions were recorded at the junction, including six serious injuries.

The upgrade supports Leeds City Council’s Vision Zero goal to eliminate all traffic-related deaths and serious injuries by 2040. The improvements are designed to enhance safety, encourage active travel, and boost the reliability of public transport services.

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Key improvements at Lawnswood roundabout include:

• Converting the existing layout into a signalised roundabout

• Installing signal-controlled pedestrian and cycle crossings

• Introducing segregated cycle lanes on approaches to the roundabout

• A new signalised pedestrian crossing on the A660 Otley Road, just north of Weetwood Road

• A slight extension of the southbound bus lane on Otley Road

Speed limit reductions on the A6120 Ring Road, including:

• 40mph between Lawnswood roundabout and the Leeds University sports facility access

• 50mph between the sports facility and Tongue Lane

• 40mph east of Tongue Lane

• Updated waiting and loading restrictions near the junction

The works have been scheduled to coincide with the school summer holidays to help reduce disruption, and the council has pledged to coordinate closely with its construction partner, Eric Wright Group, who will engage with nearby residents and businesses.

The A660 corridor is one of Leeds’ busiest routes for buses, cyclists, and pedestrians. The council hopes the scheme will encourage a shift away from private car use by improving safety and making public transport, walking and cycling more attractive.

Funding for the project comes primarily from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement and the West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund Corridor Improvement Programme Phase 2, along with some Section 106 Developer Contributions. No Leeds City Council budget will be used for the scheme.