First phase of works on key commuter route is completed

The first phase of a project to improve journeys on an important commuter route in West Yorkshire has been completed.

Drivers can look forward to shorter and more reliable journeys into and around Leeds after Highways England finished work to widen the M621 Middleton (junction seven).

Highways England project manager Sujad Hussain said: “We’ve now completed the final part of resurfacing work and we’ve sown grass seeds on the verge.

“We’ll return in autumn which is the best time to plant shrubbery and trees.

“This represents a significant milestone in the project and I’d like to thank everyone for their patience while we safely did this job.”

This is the first part of the major M621 scheme to cut congestion and improve safety along the route between junctions one and seven, with the second phase due to start next year.

Meanwhile, work to install a noise barrier between junctions six and seven by Christmas is progressing well.

The section of barrier on Parnaby Road has been installed, and attention has now turned to the main M621 carriageway sections.

A number of closures will be required to complete the noise barrier work at various locations throughout the scheme duration.

The main carriageway and slip roads at junctions six and seven will be closed overnight only, with clearly-signed diversions in place for drivers.

Highways England says it has been able to accelerate work on the noise barrier scheme during the lockdown by closing two lanes on the anti-clockwise carriageway and entry slip road at junction six, which allowed its team to work safely during the day.

These closures were lifted at the weekend as traffic flows started to increase.