Up, up and away? Three proposals to improve road links with airport unveiled
THREE options to change the road links to Leeds Bradford Airport have been unveiled to address congestion problems and improve connectivity between Leeds city centre.
Two proposals would see the creation of a link road, while the third consists of widening existing roads and upgrading junctions.
The provisional schedule would see feedback lead to a preferred design developed, followed by more consultation next year. Construction could then take place between 2019 and 2022.
The first option proposes the building of a new road from the A65, running along the eastern edge of the airport before joining the A658 to the north. The second option sees the new road follow the same initial path from the A65 running between Rawdon and Horsforth but runs to the south west of the airport before joining the A658.
The third option does not involve building a new road but upgrading the existing A65 and A658 around Rawdon and Yeadon to the airport. This would see junctions upgraded and, where needed, some road widening.
Leeds City Council executive member for regeneration, transport and planning Cllr Richard Lewis said: “Improving road access to Leeds Bradford Airport and tackling congestion issues on the local network is a priority for the city and region but we need to do it right which is why we are releasing this information now so people can see what we are proposing ahead of the full consultation process.
“The airport contributes more than £100m a year to our economy, with its future growth essential to providing new jobs in the years and decades to come. That is why it is vital access to and from the airport is as effective as it can be while also serving the needs of the local communities, so we look forward to people considering the options and giving us their views when the full consultation process takes place.”
The scheme to improve road access to the airport is to be funded through the West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund with Leeds City Council leading on its planning and delivery. The formal public consultation process is expected to begin in November.
