Road closures during bridge replacement

How the new Spence Lane bridge will look after it is installed on 18 May at the Armley Gyratory main road junction. Image: Leeds City Council

Installation of a new bridge in Leeds, UK, means some partial overnight road closures from 13 to 18 May.

Crane access is required to lift in the new Spence Lane footbridge over the Armley Gyratory road junction. This is the second of three new bridges on this road improvement scheme.

It is 32.9 metres long, 4 metres wide, weighs 39.5 tonnes and will allow pedestrians and non-motorised traffic to cross the A643 main road. It is interesting to note that in addition to offering easier access, the new bridges are designed to need less maintenance and inspection in the future than previous designs.

The new footbridge ramps weigh 75.9 tonnes and the bridge will be delivered in sections for assembly on site. Road and lane closures are implemented overnight where necessary. On the night of 18 May the main span will be escorted by police as it is transported from junction 2 of the M621 motorway to its installation site.

Commenting on the works, councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council executive member for sustainable development and infrastructure, said, “We are making significant progress around the Armley Gyratory footbridges. After we completed the Gelderd Road footbridge last month, I am pleased to see we’re completing Spence Lane footbridge. These are new transformative structures and necessitate careful planning with other works and events across our busy city.”