Leeds City Council has announced that construction work is starting on the Westgate Connector scheme.
The scheme, funded by £6 million from Active Travel England (ATE), and delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority is designed to tackle longstanding issues along the route, including limited pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and high collision rates.
The area forms a popular route, with over 4,200 people walking, wheeling, and cycling along Burley Street daily. With high footfall from students and a complex road layout, crossing the road at Westgate Gyratory and Hanover Way can feel unsafe. Between 2021 and 2025, there were 39 reported casualties along this route, including 7 serious casualties, highlighting the need for these improvements.
By introducing a new two-way segregated cycle lane, improving pedestrian crossings, and redesigned junctions, the scheme will enable people to travel more safely and enhance connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians.
The project aligns with Leeds City Council’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions, promoting active travel, and supporting Vision Zero, which aims to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries in Leeds by 2040.
The council’s appointed contractor Bethell is set to construct the scheme, which is scheduled to continue until summer 2027.
Councillor Tom Hinchcliffe, Leeds City Council’s executive member for transport and planning, said:
“The Burley Road to Westgate project is a step towards our vision for a safer, greener, and more connected Leeds.
“By providing dedicated cycling and walking spaces, we can prioritise safety and support the city’s goals for health, sustainability, and reducing carbon emissions.”
Michael Holmes, Managing Director at Bethell, added:
“Bethell is proud to have been selected to deliver these improvements at Westgate. We will carefully phase the work to minimise disruption while creating safer and better-connected routes for people walking, wheeling and cycling. The project will also support local employment and apprenticeship opportunities across the Leeds city region.”
(Picture: Leeds City Council)
