Final Phase of A660 Highways Works Begins

June 22, 2026 Off By

Major improvements underway on route from Headingley to Leeds city centre

Leeds City Council has commenced the final phase of a significant highways improvement scheme on the A660, a busy route connecting Headingley to Leeds city centre. The works, which began on 22 June 2026 and are expected to continue until spring 2027, aim to enhance safety and accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and bus users along this key corridor.

Background and objectives

The A660 is a heavily used route, with over 1,000 cyclists travelling it daily. However, injury collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists have been notably high, prompting the need for improved infrastructure. The current phase forms part of a £10.4 million project funded by Active Travel England’s Active Travel Fund, designed to bring the route in line with the Department for Transport’s latest design guidance.

The scheme supports Leeds City Council’s Vision Zero 2040 Strategy, which aims to reduce road deaths and serious injuries, and aligns with the Connecting Leeds Transport Strategy targets to encourage more walking and cycling.

Details of the final phase works

The final phase covers the section of the A660 from Hyde Park Corner to Spenceley Street. Key elements of the works include:

Widening of narrow pavements to improve pedestrian access
Creation of new segregated cycle lanes on both sides of Woodhouse Lane by removing the central reservation
Installation of a new toucan crossing near Cliff Road to assist school children crossing safely
Changes to traffic flow, including making Cliff Road one-way southbound for motor vehicles and banning right turns onto the A660
Bus priority measures, including replacement of existing bus stops with new shelters and upgraded real-time information technology
Signalisation and reconfiguration of the Rampart Road and Clarendon Road junctions, with banned right and left turns respectively to improve safety and traffic efficiency
Introduction of new trees and greenery along the route
Resurfacing of the road to improve surface quality

Traffic management and access

Construction will take place between Hyde Park Corner and Spenceley Street, including the Clarendon Road junction. Traffic will continue to flow in both directions on the A660 Woodhouse Lane throughout the works. Access to local businesses will be maintained during opening hours, and emergency and local access will remain available.

Temporary bus stops will be provided nearby while works are ongoing at Woodhouse Lane and Clarendon Road. The project team has also updated designs since the public consultation in 2023, including removing the central reservation on Avenue Walk adjacent to Woodhouse Moor to create a fully segregated cycle path and adding floating bus stop bypasses in line with government guidance.

Community response and next steps

During the 2023 consultation, 63% of respondents supported the proposals. Leeds City Council has emphasised its commitment to minimising disruption, with many works scheduled during night-time to reduce impact on traffic and bus services.

Councillor Peter Carlill, executive member for transport and planning, highlighted the importance of the scheme, noting that over 70% of collisions on the route involve vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and those using wheeled mobility aids. He expressed hope that the improvements would encourage more sustainable travel choices and thanked local residents and businesses for their patience during the works.