MOTORISTS are being encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys as the next phase of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 2 (LFAS2) works to protect areas of Apperley Bridge from flooding begins.

From the evening of August 23 through to February 2024, Apperley Road will be closed between Apperley Lane bridge and Harrogate Road bridge, to link the local drainage network to a new surface water pumping station in the car park of the George & Dragon pub. There will be no access for any vehicles, pedestrians, or other road users through this area during this time. Access to the George & Dragon pub car park will be retained via a new access point to the west of the existing one. Traffic between Apperley Lane bridge, Apperley Road and the car park will be managed by a three-way traffic light system.

Alongside this, there will be partial lane closures on Harrogate Road and Parkin Lane in different stages. The lane closures will result in a three-way traffic light system to manage the flow of traffic along Harrogate Road and Parkin Lane between August 24, 2023 and mid-October 2023.

In order to ensure the safety of the public, the existing pedestrian and equestrian crossings south of the junction between Apperley Road and Harrogate Road will be closed throughout the works. A new temporary pedestrian crossing will be installed close to the existing one, and alternative pedestrian access routes will be clearly signposted.

There will also be partial lane closures managed with give-way signs on Parkin Lane between mid-October to mid-November 2023.

The complex nature of the works may result in some changes to the dates.

Whilst the works have been designed to minimise impact as far as possible, Leeds City Council and Bradford Council urge residents to plan ahead for disruption whilst travelling through the area.

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for sustainable development and infrastructure, said: “The Leeds FAS2 will increase the resilience of thousands of homes and businesses as well as key infrastructure in Leeds and Bradford from devastating financial, environmental, and emotional impact of flooding. The works here in Apperley Bridge are an important part of this scheme. We would like to apologise for any disruption caused and thank everyone in the area for their support and patience as we make progress towards a more climate resilient Leeds city region.”

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “It is great to see the flood alleviation works are progressing as planned. Whilst the traffic management system may cause motorists slight delays in their journeys, I hope that everyone can plan ahead and allow more time so the impact is minimal.”