Connecting Leeds Bradford Airport: Link Route (road)

Project archived

Please note that this engagement is closed. Much of the information on this page is now outdated but has been left available for public viewing as a record of the engagement process. For updates and outcomes please click on the link below:

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Background

In 2015-16, an initial conversation was undertaken to gauge opinions on the principle of a link route and the three broad corridors being considered to help address congestion issues and support future growth around LBA. The main feedback points emerging from the initial consultation were:

Support for a rail link to the airport
Concerns around existing congestion and rat-running
Opposition to all three link route options – primarily as the need for road improvements was not recognised or was felt to not be required in this location
Amongst those respondents who did support the concept of a link route, option A was the preferred route
Lack of detail – the purpose of the initial consultation was to enable respondents to provide feedback very early in the process around the three broad corridors. Though conversely, many respondents felt they had insufficient detail upon which to make an informed opinion
Concerns over environmental issues and greenbelt protection

Since then, the comments received have been considered and further detailed work has been undertaken to provide feasible routes taking account of environmental and engineering constraints and relevant design standards. This has resulted in more detail on:

Route alignments
Junction designs
Pedestrian and cycling facilities
Structural features including bridges, embankments, retaining walls and culverts
Addressing environmental concerns

This current consultation (Phase 1a - Early 2019) presents this detail and is seeking your opinions on the three link route options presented.

Link Route Option A

Building a new road and footway/cycleway from the A65, running along the eastern edge of the airport before joining the A658 to the north.

For further information on Link Route Option A please click here.

Link Route Option B

Building a new road and footway/cycleway following the same initial route as Option A from the A65 but running to the south west of the airport, joining the A658 before the tunnel under the runway.

For further information on Link Route Option B please click here.

Link Route Option C

Upgrading the existing A65 and A658 around Rawdon and Yeadon to the airport. This would see junctions upgraded and, where needed, some localised road widening to deliver the junction improvements.

For further information on Link Route Option C please click here.

A broad summary comparison of each of the three LBA Link Route Options against the key scheme objectives can be found here.

Have your say

This phase of consultation is now closed. More information will be posted here when available.

You can also sign up to be kept informed about the development of this project or register to be added to the Your Voice community where you will receive information on opportunities to have your say on a variety of projects.

Timescales / Next Steps

We are seeking feedback now to inform the development of Business Case for the LBA Link Route and to seek funding to progress the scheme development and delivery.

The scheme is at an early stage of development (Outline Business Case) and there are further stages at which there will be an opportunity to feedback and input to the scheme development.

LBA Link Route (road) Indicative Timeline:

Time	Phase	Details
Early 2016	Early Engagement	Initial conversation on principal of Link Route and 3 broad options
Early 2019	Phase 1a	Consultation providing further details on the wider context. Includes: LBA Parkway Station Three LBA link route options Seeks feedback to input into designs and identification of emerging preferred option
Late 2019	Phase 1b	Consultation providing: Feedback on Phase 1a consultation, Further technical details on the three link route options and emerging preferred option. Seeks feedback to input to identification of preferred option.
Estimated 2020/21	Phase 2	Possible Planning Application
Within the next 5 - 10 years	Phase 3	Possible Link Route Opening

Click here to go back to the Connecting Leeds Bradford Airport homepage.

______________________________

Background

Support for a rail link to the airport
Concerns around existing congestion and rat-running
Opposition to all three link route options – primarily as the need for road improvements was not recognised or was felt to not be required in this location
Amongst those respondents who did support the concept of a link route, option A was the preferred route
Lack of detail – the purpose of the initial consultation was to enable respondents to provide feedback very early in the process around the three broad corridors. Though conversely, many respondents felt they had insufficient detail upon which to make an informed opinion
Concerns over environmental issues and greenbelt protection

Route alignments
Junction designs
Pedestrian and cycling facilities
Structural features including bridges, embankments, retaining walls and culverts
Addressing environmental concerns

This current consultation (Phase 1a - Early 2019) presents this detail and is seeking your opinions on the three link route options presented.

Link Route Option A

Building a new road and footway/cycleway from the A65, running along the eastern edge of the airport before joining the A658 to the north.

For further information on Link Route Option A please click here.

Link Route Option B

Building a new road and footway/cycleway following the same initial route as Option A from the A65 but running to the south west of the airport, joining the A658 before the tunnel under the runway.

For further information on Link Route Option B please click here.

Link Route Option C

Upgrading the existing A65 and A658 around Rawdon and Yeadon to the airport. This would see junctions upgraded and, where needed, some localised road widening to deliver the junction improvements.

For further information on Link Route Option C please click here.

A broad summary comparison of each of the three LBA Link Route Options against the key scheme objectives can be found here.

Have your say

This phase of consultation is now closed. More information will be posted here when available.

Timescales / Next Steps

We are seeking feedback now to inform the development of Business Case for the LBA Link Route and to seek funding to progress the scheme development and delivery.

The scheme is at an early stage of development (Outline Business Case) and there are further stages at which there will be an opportunity to feedback and input to the scheme development.

LBA Link Route (road) Indicative Timeline:

Time	Phase	Details
Early 2016	Early Engagement	Initial conversation on principal of Link Route and 3 broad options
Early 2019	Phase 1a	Consultation providing further details on the wider context. Includes: LBA Parkway Station Three LBA link route options Seeks feedback to input into designs and identification of emerging preferred option
Late 2019	Phase 1b	Consultation providing: Feedback on Phase 1a consultation, Further technical details on the three link route options and emerging preferred option. Seeks feedback to input to identification of preferred option.
Estimated 2020/21	Phase 2	Possible Planning Application
Within the next 5 - 10 years	Phase 3	Possible Link Route Opening

Click here to go back to the Connecting Leeds Bradford Airport homepage.

Q & A

Project archived

Do you have any questions for us...? Ask them here...

Share Passenger numbers are going to increase at LBA. Therefore the WYCA needs a solution to satisfy demand whilst improving passenger experience, reducing traffic movements and reducing the effect of any improvements on the wider environment. Leeds already has poor air quality due to vehicle traffic and congestion, so any scheme which encourages more vehicle movements will only make things worse and increase congestion. The best solution is clearly a direct rail link to the airport terminal which a city the stature of Leeds requires for the future. • The options report by WSP has stated that Horsforth Route Option 3 can be built at an average gradient of 1 in 60, so suitable for heavy rail solution. • A direct connection to Leeds centre via the existing Harrogate line would result in connection times (no stopping) of about 15 mins • It would cost £25M x 3.1 Km = £77.5M plus a station at £15M – say £90M in total • This assumes that tunnelling can be avoided. • The gradient superimposed on the ground profile shows a gradient of 1 in 62 average. • Note that the maximum cut is about 5m and maximum fill 10m. This could be adjusted to optimise cut and fill earthworks to avoid disposal off site. • Hence tunnelling is not required I suggest you ask your Engineers to revisit the conclusions of your options assessments, as clearly a rail link is not only cheaper than the road improvement options, but delivers substantial sustainability benefits to both LBA and the wider community, and reduces vehicle traffic. on Facebook Share Passenger numbers are going to increase at LBA. Therefore the WYCA needs a solution to satisfy demand whilst improving passenger experience, reducing traffic movements and reducing the effect of any improvements on the wider environment. Leeds already has poor air quality due to vehicle traffic and congestion, so any scheme which encourages more vehicle movements will only make things worse and increase congestion. The best solution is clearly a direct rail link to the airport terminal which a city the stature of Leeds requires for the future. • The options report by WSP has stated that Horsforth Route Option 3 can be built at an average gradient of 1 in 60, so suitable for heavy rail solution. • A direct connection to Leeds centre via the existing Harrogate line would result in connection times (no stopping) of about 15 mins • It would cost £25M x 3.1 Km = £77.5M plus a station at £15M – say £90M in total • This assumes that tunnelling can be avoided. • The gradient superimposed on the ground profile shows a gradient of 1 in 62 average. • Note that the maximum cut is about 5m and maximum fill 10m. This could be adjusted to optimise cut and fill earthworks to avoid disposal off site. • Hence tunnelling is not required I suggest you ask your Engineers to revisit the conclusions of your options assessments, as clearly a rail link is not only cheaper than the road improvement options, but delivers substantial sustainability benefits to both LBA and the wider community, and reduces vehicle traffic. on Twitter Share Passenger numbers are going to increase at LBA. Therefore the WYCA needs a solution to satisfy demand whilst improving passenger experience, reducing traffic movements and reducing the effect of any improvements on the wider environment. Leeds already has poor air quality due to vehicle traffic and congestion, so any scheme which encourages more vehicle movements will only make things worse and increase congestion. The best solution is clearly a direct rail link to the airport terminal which a city the stature of Leeds requires for the future. • The options report by WSP has stated that Horsforth Route Option 3 can be built at an average gradient of 1 in 60, so suitable for heavy rail solution. • A direct connection to Leeds centre via the existing Harrogate line would result in connection times (no stopping) of about 15 mins • It would cost £25M x 3.1 Km = £77.5M plus a station at £15M – say £90M in total • This assumes that tunnelling can be avoided. • The gradient superimposed on the ground profile shows a gradient of 1 in 62 average. • Note that the maximum cut is about 5m and maximum fill 10m. This could be adjusted to optimise cut and fill earthworks to avoid disposal off site. • Hence tunnelling is not required I suggest you ask your Engineers to revisit the conclusions of your options assessments, as clearly a rail link is not only cheaper than the road improvement options, but delivers substantial sustainability benefits to both LBA and the wider community, and reduces vehicle traffic. on Linkedin Email Passenger numbers are going to increase at LBA. Therefore the WYCA needs a solution to satisfy demand whilst improving passenger experience, reducing traffic movements and reducing the effect of any improvements on the wider environment. Leeds already has poor air quality due to vehicle traffic and congestion, so any scheme which encourages more vehicle movements will only make things worse and increase congestion. The best solution is clearly a direct rail link to the airport terminal which a city the stature of Leeds requires for the future. • The options report by WSP has stated that Horsforth Route Option 3 can be built at an average gradient of 1 in 60, so suitable for heavy rail solution. • A direct connection to Leeds centre via the existing Harrogate line would result in connection times (no stopping) of about 15 mins • It would cost £25M x 3.1 Km = £77.5M plus a station at £15M – say £90M in total • This assumes that tunnelling can be avoided. • The gradient superimposed on the ground profile shows a gradient of 1 in 62 average. • Note that the maximum cut is about 5m and maximum fill 10m. This could be adjusted to optimise cut and fill earthworks to avoid disposal off site. • Hence tunnelling is not required I suggest you ask your Engineers to revisit the conclusions of your options assessments, as clearly a rail link is not only cheaper than the road improvement options, but delivers substantial sustainability benefits to both LBA and the wider community, and reduces vehicle traffic. link

Passenger numbers are going to increase at LBA. Therefore the WYCA needs a solution to satisfy demand whilst improving passenger experience, reducing traffic movements and reducing the effect of any improvements on the wider environment. Leeds already has poor air quality due to vehicle traffic and congestion, so any scheme which encourages more vehicle movements will only make things worse and increase congestion. The best solution is clearly a direct rail link to the airport terminal which a city the stature of Leeds requires for the future. • The options report by WSP has stated that Horsforth Route Option 3 can be built at an average gradient of 1 in 60, so suitable for heavy rail solution. • A direct connection to Leeds centre via the existing Harrogate line would result in connection times (no stopping) of about 15 mins • It would cost £25M x 3.1 Km = £77.5M plus a station at £15M – say £90M in total • This assumes that tunnelling can be avoided. • The gradient superimposed on the ground profile shows a gradient of 1 in 62 average. • Note that the maximum cut is about 5m and maximum fill 10m. This could be adjusted to optimise cut and fill earthworks to avoid disposal off site. • Hence tunnelling is not required I suggest you ask your Engineers to revisit the conclusions of your options assessments, as clearly a rail link is not only cheaper than the road improvement options, but delivers substantial sustainability benefits to both LBA and the wider community, and reduces vehicle traffic.

Peter Haines asked over 5 years ago

Thank you for your comments and questions. The project team are looking through your comments and will provide a response.
Share When we are told we have to act urgently to avoid environmental catastrophe, by radically reducing carbon emissions and preserving wildlife habitat and stop polluting, why should LBA expand at all? More passengers, more flights and more roads mean more carbon emissions, more noise, more pollution, more nuisance and more green belt disappearing under concrete. Leeds needs to drop this ridiculous desire to be bigger and better and "grow the economy" and pride itself on becoming the greenest city with the most sustainable economy. We are at a critical moment in history where we can condemn our natural world to be destroyed or keep it alive. Currently Leeds is part of the problem not the solution. on Facebook Share When we are told we have to act urgently to avoid environmental catastrophe, by radically reducing carbon emissions and preserving wildlife habitat and stop polluting, why should LBA expand at all? More passengers, more flights and more roads mean more carbon emissions, more noise, more pollution, more nuisance and more green belt disappearing under concrete. Leeds needs to drop this ridiculous desire to be bigger and better and "grow the economy" and pride itself on becoming the greenest city with the most sustainable economy. We are at a critical moment in history where we can condemn our natural world to be destroyed or keep it alive. Currently Leeds is part of the problem not the solution. on Twitter Share When we are told we have to act urgently to avoid environmental catastrophe, by radically reducing carbon emissions and preserving wildlife habitat and stop polluting, why should LBA expand at all? More passengers, more flights and more roads mean more carbon emissions, more noise, more pollution, more nuisance and more green belt disappearing under concrete. Leeds needs to drop this ridiculous desire to be bigger and better and "grow the economy" and pride itself on becoming the greenest city with the most sustainable economy. We are at a critical moment in history where we can condemn our natural world to be destroyed or keep it alive. Currently Leeds is part of the problem not the solution. on Linkedin Email When we are told we have to act urgently to avoid environmental catastrophe, by radically reducing carbon emissions and preserving wildlife habitat and stop polluting, why should LBA expand at all? More passengers, more flights and more roads mean more carbon emissions, more noise, more pollution, more nuisance and more green belt disappearing under concrete. Leeds needs to drop this ridiculous desire to be bigger and better and "grow the economy" and pride itself on becoming the greenest city with the most sustainable economy. We are at a critical moment in history where we can condemn our natural world to be destroyed or keep it alive. Currently Leeds is part of the problem not the solution. link

When we are told we have to act urgently to avoid environmental catastrophe, by radically reducing carbon emissions and preserving wildlife habitat and stop polluting, why should LBA expand at all? More passengers, more flights and more roads mean more carbon emissions, more noise, more pollution, more nuisance and more green belt disappearing under concrete. Leeds needs to drop this ridiculous desire to be bigger and better and "grow the economy" and pride itself on becoming the greenest city with the most sustainable economy. We are at a critical moment in history where we can condemn our natural world to be destroyed or keep it alive. Currently Leeds is part of the problem not the solution.

Antony M asked over 5 years ago

Thank you for your comments. These will be considered as part of the consultation analysis.

The airport should be moved ideally somewhere near the M62/M1/A1-M1 link. Maybe we could even place it somewhere where the imaginary trams will go! The decent thing to do would have been put is somewhere with the HS2 link. You can’t access most of north Leeds from the major motorways without crawling through badly planned junctions or sitting in an hour plus of traffic. For a city so keen to introduce clean air zone why force more stop start congested traffic across the city to the airports current location which is stupid. I fully support the airport but a link road is a sticking plaster 10 years too late bound to fall off as soon as it’s arrived. The A647 is rammed and badly laid out, as is the A660 and other roads. It either needs a motorway all the way to it or it needs to be moved. Not to mention we need a decent ring road too to keep traffic moving which is often blocked from Pudsey to the airport. For people needing to come from the South, East or West of Leeds it’s a scandal that getting to Manchester/East Midlands/Doncaster would often be easier and quicker, especially around peak times. The real issue is years of piecemeal improvements, lack of planning across the entire transport network, under investment and glacial pace at getting things done.

Max asked over 5 years ago

Thank you for your comments. Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is already integrated into the existing transport network, not only locally but also nationally. Leeds City Council (LCC), the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership support LBA in its current location and to manage the impacts of its operation and potential future expansion. It is not deemed practical to relocate the airport, or for the council to develop an additional one at an alternative site.
The link route forms part of a wider strategic plan for the north-west area of Leeds. In addition to this, Leeds City Council is progressing work to investigate options for improvements which could be delivered to enhance the strategic orbital route of the A6120 Leeds Outer Ring Road (A6120) between Dawson’s Corner (A647) and Horsforth Roundabout (A65).

There has been no detail given about the carbon footprint implications of the three options. Could this be quantified please? Also would it bepossible to explain how this large scale expansion fits in with government policy and legislation to reduce our carbon footprint by 2050?

Jonathan Gadd asked over 5 years ago

Air quality and Greenhouse Gas impacts, associated with the creation of a proposed LBA Link Route and LBA Parkway Station, are being assessed as part of the development of the Outline Business Case (OBC) for the schemes. Further details will be provided when available.

Share For an airport that is the gateway to Yorkshire, its a disgrace that everything is built on a budget of left over funds. The biggest mistake was tight arse Yorkshire penny pinching back hand taking fat councillors with no vision keeping a tiny existing airport rather than building a new airport near the city motorways. If we are going to keep the Airport at Yeadon then we dont need half measures any more, we need to build a proper infrastructure that reflects the city that allows quick access. I live in morley and i can get to manchester in just 20 minutes slower than getting to leeds and the experience at manchester is worth the drive. Dont let us down like the councillors of the 70s and 80s did. on Facebook Share For an airport that is the gateway to Yorkshire, its a disgrace that everything is built on a budget of left over funds. The biggest mistake was tight arse Yorkshire penny pinching back hand taking fat councillors with no vision keeping a tiny existing airport rather than building a new airport near the city motorways. If we are going to keep the Airport at Yeadon then we dont need half measures any more, we need to build a proper infrastructure that reflects the city that allows quick access. I live in morley and i can get to manchester in just 20 minutes slower than getting to leeds and the experience at manchester is worth the drive. Dont let us down like the councillors of the 70s and 80s did. on Twitter Share For an airport that is the gateway to Yorkshire, its a disgrace that everything is built on a budget of left over funds. The biggest mistake was tight arse Yorkshire penny pinching back hand taking fat councillors with no vision keeping a tiny existing airport rather than building a new airport near the city motorways. If we are going to keep the Airport at Yeadon then we dont need half measures any more, we need to build a proper infrastructure that reflects the city that allows quick access. I live in morley and i can get to manchester in just 20 minutes slower than getting to leeds and the experience at manchester is worth the drive. Dont let us down like the councillors of the 70s and 80s did. on Linkedin Email For an airport that is the gateway to Yorkshire, its a disgrace that everything is built on a budget of left over funds. The biggest mistake was tight arse Yorkshire penny pinching back hand taking fat councillors with no vision keeping a tiny existing airport rather than building a new airport near the city motorways. If we are going to keep the Airport at Yeadon then we dont need half measures any more, we need to build a proper infrastructure that reflects the city that allows quick access. I live in morley and i can get to manchester in just 20 minutes slower than getting to leeds and the experience at manchester is worth the drive. Dont let us down like the councillors of the 70s and 80s did. link

For an airport that is the gateway to Yorkshire, its a disgrace that everything is built on a budget of left over funds. The biggest mistake was tight arse Yorkshire penny pinching back hand taking fat councillors with no vision keeping a tiny existing airport rather than building a new airport near the city motorways. If we are going to keep the Airport at Yeadon then we dont need half measures any more, we need to build a proper infrastructure that reflects the city that allows quick access. I live in morley and i can get to manchester in just 20 minutes slower than getting to leeds and the experience at manchester is worth the drive. Dont let us down like the councillors of the 70s and 80s did.

dasilva asked over 5 years ago

Thank you for your comments. These will be considered as part of the consultation analysis.

As a huge supporter of LBA I am shocked and amazed that it will take 10 years to build this road. Doncaster Sheffield had just built there's. There is massive development at Manchester Airport, what shoukd be similar sized airports to LBA like Bristol, East Midlands and Newcastle are spending 10 times what LBA are considering. For too many years successive Leeds Councils hindered the airport development....Now you have the chance to change all that. We need a thriving strong airport otherwise Manchester and even DSA will take passengers! I own a media agency and my clients advertise at many airports including LBA but they will always give the lions share to airports who are developing their terminals and infrastructure. LBA even with the plans now is in the slow lane if we have to wait another 10 years. How long did it take to get ELOR off the ground....not 10 years I would say. For the future of our region and not to be left behind, we have to think big and spend good money so you can leave a legacy to our children and grandchildren. For me it has to be option 1 as it connects with the Parkway station....That is a bold vision and is what you call " connecting people" So please tell me why it could be 10 years away, and how you can turn around ELOR in a shorter tine, and how dies DSA just get on and build there's? Thanks

Dave S asked almost 6 years ago

Thank you for your recent comments. These will be considered through the consultation analysis. The proposals are in the early stages of development and the programme publicised is indicative and may be subject to change. More certainty around the timescales will be known and publicised as the project progresses.

I am a huge supporter of LBA and an shocked and amazed that you will not be able to get this road built for another 10 years....whilst Manchester is spending hundreds of millions of pounds expanding, Doncaster Sheffield has built it's road in a few years, and airports which should be a similar size to LBA like Bristol, Newcastle and East Midlands spending 10 times what LBA will be spending, LBA yet again is in the slow lane. Now you have the chance, the vision, the ability to take LBA forward. Option 1 is my choice as it has to be connected to the park and ride. For far too many years successive Leeds Councils have not supported the growth of LBA and actually hindered it's growth in years gone by. This road and the Parkway need to be up and running in the next 5 years... it can be done if there is a will and money of course. But this is the future of our region... you have turned around the ELOR road in far less than 10 years, so why not this project?

Dave S asked almost 6 years ago

Connecting Leeds Bradford Airport: Link Route (road)

There has been no detail given about the carbon footprint implications of the three options. Could this be quantified please? Also would it bepossible to explain how this large scale expansion fits in with government policy and legislation to reduce our carbon footprint by 2050?

Key Dates

Documents, plans and proposals

FAQs

Consultation stages

Open (18 February - 12 April)

Under Review

Final report

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