K Rouse Civil Engineers Ltd have begun works for Eric Wright Civil Engineering on the new Leeds City Links contract for the client Leeds City Council. The flagship project is aimed at transforming the walking and cycling routes across the city centre.

The works are focused on the northern and southern key corridors linking the city centre with its surrounding communities.

Northern corridor covers:

• Great George Street from Leighton Street to Woodhouse Lane
• Great George Street/Merrion Street/Woodhouse Lane junction
• Merrion Street from Woodhouse Lane to New Briggate

Key improvements include:

• Widened pavements to create more space for pedestrians and outdoor cafes
• A segregated two-way cycle track along the corridor with connections to existing cycle routes
• Selective reduction of on-street parking to accommodate cycle and pedestrian infrastructure
• New pedestrian crossings on desire lines, including straight-across crossings and separated cycle crossings at junctions
• Major enhancements to the Great George Street/Woodhouse Lane junction to improve safety and environment
• Planting of new trees and greenery throughout

The southern corridor of the scheme includes:

• Kirkgate, Wharf Street, and High Court from Leeds Minster to Shears Yard
• The Calls, Call Lane, Swinegate, Concordia Street, and Sovereign Street from Shears Yard to Sovereign Street junction

Construction works will:

• Widen pavements for pedestrians
• Provide a segregated two-way cycle track along the corridor
• Introduce new or upgraded pedestrian crossings
• Reduce road lanes from two to one, creating safer spaces for walking and cycling