Culvert repair works needing to be extended on A658 Pool Bank New Road

A project to carry out essential repairs to a culvert under the A658 Pool Bank New Road is needing to be significantly extended following a review of the works.

The project, which began in May, is being undertaken to repair and strengthen a 100-year-old water culvert running underneath the A658 north-east of the Dyneley Arms junction between the A660 Leeds Road and Pool-in-Wharfedale.

With the initial work underway, it has now proved necessary to dig more extensively into the foundations below the culvert, using concrete to strengthen it. The end result will be a culvert and road which will be more durable as well as more resilient to any potential flooding events.

This additional work means the programme needs to be extended, with the project expected to be complete by the end of September.

The road will continue to operate as a single lane serving both directions, managed by temporary traffic signals with a reduced 30-miles per hour speed limit in place.

The road is well used by those travelling to and from Leeds Bradford Airport, and motorists are advised to allow extra time for their journeys or seek to use alternative routes where possible.

Leeds City Council executive member for regeneration, transport and planning Councillor Richard Lewis said:

“We apologise to anyone inconvenienced by the need to extend these works, but since we have been working on site it has become apparent a change in approach is needed. This includes additional foundation strengthening work, so it does mean a few weeks more pain in order to ensure this culvert and stretch of road is safe and secure for the long-term future.

“We are determined to do everything we can to get this work completed as soon as possible and we thank those affected for their patience and understanding while this is carried out.”

The airport and Jet2 will be informed of the need to extend the works and will be messaging passengers to ensure they are aware. Local residents and councillors have also been informed along with taxi companies, bus operators and local off-site airport parking services.

The repair was identified as being necessary as part of the council’s ongoing assessment of all bridges and culverts in the city. This culvert on the A658 enables a natural stream watercourse to flow under the road carrying water from surrounding areas.

For more details on the work visit www.leeds.gov.uk/poolbankculvert

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:

Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk

Tel: 0113 378 6007