Dawsons Corner Improvement Works Enter Final Stages

Countdown begins to completion of major Leeds junction upgrade

The extensive improvement works at Dawsons Corner and Stanningley Bypass in Leeds have reached a key milestone as the project moves into its final stages. The scheme, which carries a budget of £44 million, aims to enhance one of the city’s busiest junctions and is expected to be completed in early 2027.

Overview of the project

The Dawsons Corner and Stanningley Bypass improvement scheme is designed to improve journeys for all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport passengers. It focuses on reducing congestion, improving connectivity between Leeds and Bradford, and supporting more reliable bus services.

Key features of the scheme include:

• New road layout at Dawsons Corner junction
• Upgraded walking and cycling infrastructure
• Enhanced public transport facilities
• Additional road capacity to ease traffic flow
• Landscaping improvements

Upcoming surfacing works and road closures

The project has now entered the final surfacing phase. Repairs and resurfacing on the Stanningley Bypass northbound carriageway are scheduled to be completed by Tuesday 25 August 2026.

This will be followed by resurfacing on the B6157 Bradford Road (eastbound), which will require overnight closures from Wednesday 26 August to Friday 28 August. The closures will take place between 8pm and 5am each night and will affect the section of Bradford Road between Dawsons Corner and Woodlands Terrace.

During these overnight closures:

• A signed diversion route will be in place
• The road will reopen each morning
• Access and egress via Cote Lane will not be permitted
• Access to Pudsey Civic Hall and West Yorkshire Police’s Pudsey station will be maintained through alternative signed routes

Further road surfacing and traffic management activities will continue through autumn and winter 2026, with additional temporary overnight closures expected. Details will be communicated to residents, businesses, and road users ahead of each phase.

Impact and benefits

The junction currently serves approximately 57,000 vehicles and 1,200 pedestrians and cyclists daily. Once complete, the improvements are expected to provide:

• Smoother and more resilient road surfaces
• Improved journey reliability and reduced congestion
• Better-connected and safer routes for walking, wheeling, and cycling
• Support for public transport services
• Reduced traffic pressure on nearby residential areas by encouraging through-traffic to use the ring road

Council statement

Leeds City Council’s executive member for highways and planning, Councillor Peter Carlill, highlighted the significance of the project’s progress. He acknowledged the disruption caused by roadworks and thanked residents, businesses, and road users for their patience. Councillor Carlill noted that the project is now entering its final stages and expressed anticipation for the full benefits to be realised upon completion.

Advice for road users

Motorists and other road users are advised to plan ahead, allow extra time for journeys, and follow all signed diversion routes during the overnight closures.

For ongoing updates, visit the Dawsons Corner project webpage.