£31m flyover project set for final approval

Work could start next month on a £31m rebuild of a flyover bridge on the inner ring road in Leeds city centre with the final approval set to be given to the project next week.Senior councillors are expected to formally approve the plans for the Regent Street flyover, which carries traffic on the Inner Ring Road, at the meeting of the executive board on 22 April.Approval will allow detailed preparation work to be finalised with work then starting on site in May.The project is part of the city’s Connecting Leeds transport strategy, and needs to be carried out despite the current coronavirus crisis because of the key strategic role the flyover plays in the transport network and because its current deteriorating condition means unless the work is undertaken the bridge would need to be closed to ensure public safety.Precautions will be taken by contractor Balfour Beatty to ensure compliance with site, staff and public safety in terms of workplace practices and social distancing measures.An estimated 43,000 vehicles use the bridge every day while 30,000 vehicles pass below it on the A61. In the first phase of the project, the existing structure will be demolished and removed before the new bridge is then installed.The project is scheduled to be completed in spring 2022.