00:00Armley Gyratory's three brand new replacement footbridges are now fully opened as part of a multi-million pound scheme which aims to improve pedestrian and cyclist routes at one of Leeds' busiest junctions.
00:11The replacement footbridges over Wellington Road on the A58, Spence Lane and Geldard Road are part of wider works with more than £41.96 million around the Armley Gyratory, which has been funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority via the West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund.
00:29The revamped infrastructure provides vital links to connect communities such as Wortley and Holbeck to the city centre, with more accessible footways and bridges.
00:38Councillor Jonathan Pryor and ward councillors Paul Ray and Annie Maloney were joined by representatives from the Combined Authority, Balfour Beatty, and the project team to officially open the routes.
00:50Work started in January 2024 to demolish the existing footbridges, which were of a poor standard and approaching life expiry.
00:57Their replacements follow highway works to the main gyratory, which were completed in winter 2023.
01:04Leeds City Council have said the project team have worked through challenging conditions and managed to keep travel disruption to a minimum,
01:11and say the improvements provide pedestrians and cyclists with more appealing and accessible routes, increased safety for all road users, improved traffic flow and less congestion.
01:21More than 660 trees have been planted around the gyratory and in the local community, alongside new landscaping, enhancing the biodiversity of the area.
01:32The changes to the gyratory have increased vehicle capacity and are part of works to remove through traffic across the city centre,
01:39better connect neighbourhoods and encourage people to travel on foot or bike.
