Update on Apperley Bridge traffic management as Flood Alleviation works continue

When complete, both phases of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme will combine to protect 4,000 homes, 1000 businesses and key infrastructure in Leeds and Apperley Bridge, Bradford from flooding similar to boxing day 2015. Works to reopen Apperley Road between Apperley Lane bridge and Harrogate Road bridge, originally scheduled to take place in late February, have now been delayed for one month. Resurfacing works will begin in mid-March and complete in late-March 2024. These works will require two sets of three-way temporary traffic lights to be installed. The first set will be installed between Apperley Lane Bridge, Apperley Road and the George and Dragon pub carpark for 3-4 days. Another set will be installed between Harrogate Road and Parkin Lane. Unlike the last time these lights were needed in the area, all lanes will be open to traffic, and the lights will only be operated when needed to allow for machinery to briefly enter the northbound lane on Harrogate Road - once the machinery has passed safely, traffic will be able to continue as normal. Steps will be taken to ensure that operating the lights during peak hours will be avoided where possible. Further updates will be shared on the Leeds City Council Flood Resilience X account and the Leeds FAS2 web page. 

All the civils work on the new pumping station and drainage improvements in Apperley Bridge are currently programmed to be completed by late-March 2024, with all traffic management measures to be removed, and access for road users, pedestrians, and the equestrian crossing on Harrogate Road all fully reinstated. Wider traffic management measures on Parkin Lane during this time are being communicated to residents in the area directly. 

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council's executive member for sustainable development and infrastructure, said: 

“Unfortunately, the proximity of our works to the river mean that delays are unavoidable due to the amount of rain we have had across the winter. The high river levels we have experienced serve as a reminder as to why these works are being carried out - these works are vital to increase our resilience to the climate emergency. 

The construction is progressing well considering the challenges we have faced. I’d like to thank the local residents and businesses for their understanding and assure all those who travel along Harrogate Road that the traffic management measures will be as unintrusive as possible. 

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: 

“Although the Leeds FAS2 is a Leeds City Council scheme, the works including a new pumping station and drainage improvements, will also deliver flood risk benefits to residents in the Apperley Bridge area of the Bradford District. We understand delays are frustrating, but in complex schemes such as this, which also include the challenges of working in an area of flood risk, they are not uncommon, particularly given the conditions that have been experienced over the winter months. These are essential works for the benefit of the wider community, and cross border liaison with colleagues in Leeds continues in order to ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum.”

ENDS