Transforming Travel between Leeds & Wakefield A61

Please note - this consultation has now closed.

The Outcome report can be viewed HERE.

The information below was presented during the public consultation between Monday 4 July to Sunday 14 August 2022.

Wakefield Council and Leeds City Council, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, would like your feedback on proposed improvements to the A61. Changes are proposed between Savannah Way Roundabout and Carlton Lane in Leeds and then to two sections within Wakefield district; the first section is at Canal Lane and the second between Woodcock Street and Standbridge Lane.

In this public consultation we would like your feedback on initial proposals for a range of improvements to bus, walking and cycling facilities along the A61 corridor, which will help shape the development of more detailed plans.

Please read the details below, view the plans and then fill out the survey here.

Project Overview

The A61 corridor is a key route linking Leeds and Wakefield. It serves the communities of Stourton and Lofthouse in the Leeds district, Sandal and Agbrigg in the Wakefield district, and many others. The corridor carries both long-distance traffic from across the region, as well as local traffic. It is also a high frequency bus route.

Bus journeys along the A61 corridor often experience delays, particularly at peak times, due to congestion and a lack of dedicated bus priority measures. This results in fewer people feeling able to switch from travelling by car to bus. This leads to more congestion and poorer air quality.

There are also narrow pavements and limited crossing opportunities for people walking along the A61 corridor, making it unappealing for users, particularly children and the elderly. There is also a lack of dedicated facilities for people cycling along the A61 corridor, meaning they are often travelling very close to the traffic and can feel unsafe.

Objectives

The A61 Corridor Improvements Scheme will deliver better bus services by improving bus journey times. This will be done with the introduction of new bus lanes and priority given to buses at key junctions using ‘smart technology’. This will help people become better connected to employment, education, and training opportunities across the region via bus. It will also encourage people who currently drive to travel more sustainably (i.e., by bus, bike or on foot if they can) and reduce the impact on local air quality.

The scheme will also improve the route for people walking and cycling by introducing new and improved facilities including cycle lanes, wider footways, and crossings.

Other proposed improvements to make the roads safer include better on-street car parking and improved junctions. This will encourage people making shorter journeys (such as travelling to school) to consider walking or cycling instead. It will also improve public health, safety, and air quality.

The proposals will be complemented by a range of new planting, greenery, and places to stop and rest. This will make the public spaces along the route more inviting and less car dominated.

Our proposals along the route have been divided into six zones. Click on the zones below to find out more about current issues, the proposals, and plans:

• Zone 1: Savannah Way to Wood Lane (Leeds)
• Zone 2: Sharp Lane to Leadwell Lane (Leeds)
• Zone 3: Pawson Street to Carlton Lane (Leeds)
• Zone 4: Canal Lane (Wakefield)
• Zone 5: Woodcock Street to Walton Lane (Wakefield)
• Zone 6: Walton Lane to Standbridge Lane (Wakefield)

The map below provides an overview of the zones we are consulting on. You can view the map more closely with the other consultation documents or click to view the map: (Zones 1-3 Map), (Zones 4-6 Map).