Roundabout improvements to last 12 months

Around 50,000 cars pass through the roundabout every day, the council says

Work to improve safety on one of the busiest roundabout junctions in Leeds is due to begin on 11 August, the council has said.

Road users have been warned of "significant construction work" near Lawnswood roundabout junction on the A6120 Outer Ring Road and A660 Otley Road for about 12 months.

Leeds City Council said between 2020 and 2024 there were 25 recorded injuries, six of which were serious, at the roundabout.

The work is being funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement and the West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund Corridor Improvement Programme Phase 2.

About 50,000 vehicles pass through the roundabout every day and the council said the junction lacks adequate crossing facilities and is a major barrier for walking and cycling, especially given its proximity to Lawnswood school.

The council's deputy leader Jonathan Pryor said: "Having a junction with poor safety record right next to a school is essential to fix, so I am delighted to see the works starting this month.

"It's vitally important we address the safety of drivers and all road users, all as part of our Vision Zero strategy to work towards eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries by 2040."

The work aims to improve safety for motorists and other road users

Key elements of the plan include making it a signalised roundabout with signalised pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities as well as creating segregated cycle facilities.

There will also be an extension to the existing southbound bus lane on Otley Road and reduced speed limits from 70mph on the A6120 Ring Road, between King Lane and Lawnswood roundabout.

The council also said it needs to create "attractive alternatives" to driving such as more reliable bus routes.

Peter Carlill, deputy chair of the WYCA, added: "By improving crossings, reducing vehicle speeds, and introducing cycle lanes, we're helping ensure Lawnswood junction is a place where everyone can travel easily and safely.

"It's an important step towards a greener, more accessible, and better-connected region."

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