£31m city flyover rebuild scheme set for final go-ahead

Essential work is set to start next month to rebuild the Regent Street flyover in Leeds.Senior councillors are expected to formally approve the plans for the key bridge which carries traffic on the Inner Ring Road at the meeting of the executive board next week – Wednesday 22 April.That approval will allow detailed preparation work to be finalised with work then starting on site next month.The project is part of the city’s Connecting Leeds transport strategy.It needs to be carried out despite the current coronavirus crisis because of the key strategic role the flyover plays in the city’s transport network and also because its current deteriorating condition means unless the work is undertaken the bridge would need to be closed to ensure public safety.Leeds City Council says “every precaution” will be followed by contractor Balfour Beatty to ensure compliance with site, staff and public safety in terms of workplace practices and social distancing measures.New visuals have been released to show how the rebuilt bridge will look, with the current steel and concrete flyover which was built in the late 1960s being replaced by a new gateway structure.The bridge plays a vital role in the life of the city, with an estimated 43,000 vehicles passing over it every day while 30,000 vehicles pass below it on the A61.The first phase of the project will see the existing structure demolished and removed before the new bridge is then installed.The project, scheduled to be completed in spring 2022, will involve some overnight and weekend closures.The A64 (M) and A61 will remain open during the majority of the works. The capacity of the A64(M) will be temporarily reduced from four lanes to two using a contraflow. The A61 Regent Street will maintain its current capacity of four lanes under the flyover throughout.