The A650 Bradford Road/Thorpe Lane highway improvements scheme aims to improve the capacity of the Thorpe Lane/Bradford Road junction by maximising the use of the carriageway width. The measures will also introduce pedestrian and cycle facilities on the Thorpe Lane arm of the junction.
Programme
This scheme is due to begin before April 2013.
History
- Currently the Thorpe Lane approach is restricted to one right turn traffic lane, whereas the length of the A650 Bradford Road travelling away from the Thorpe Lane junction in a westerly direction has two traffic lanes.
- As only one lane of traffic can turn right from Thorpe Lane onto Bradford Road the junction is running under capacity. Consequently, because of the single right lane approach on Thorpe Lane, lengthy queues form during the busy periods. The queue can often block access to vehicles wishing to turn left onto Bradford Road. This results in some vehicles mounting the verge and driving along it, to enable them to pass the queuing right turning traffic.
- This improvement involves the widening of the Thorpe Lane arm of the existing A650 Bradford Road/Thorpe Lane signalised junction. The improvement is required primarily for capacity although both cyclist and pedestrians will also benefit from the scheme. The widening is intended to form two right turn lanes on Thorpe Lane, whilst a length of slip road will also be provided for left turners on approach to the junction.
- An extensive engineering feasibility has been carried out, including considerable geotechnical site investigation, to enable a scheme to be determined. This has included widespread consultation within Highways and Transportation and local members, to resolve issues arising during the design process.
Proposal
The proposed works are shown on the scheme plan, available in the downloads section below.
- To introduce two lanes on the Thorpe Lane approach to the Thorpe Lane/Bradford Road signalised junction. This will be achieved by widening the carriageway.
- The carriageway widening will double the existing right turn capacity for traffic leaving Thorpe Lane onto Bradford Road. This will include an advanced stop line with feeder lane to give cyclists protection on the approach to the junction. The proposed two lanes of traffic can then merge in turn along the length of road immediately after the Bradford Road/Smithy Lane junction as it currently does. The length available to merge is to be extended by 64 metres.
- A length of slip road will be provided for left turners on approach to the junction.
- The existing pedestrian crossing points on the Thorpe Lane/Bradford Road junction arm are currently uncontrolled. The scheme will introduce signalised controlled crossing points in this area.
- During consultation with the Traffic Management section it was agreed with the southern team and the TRO team that no additional TROs would be required as a result of this scheme.
- The revised scheme will deliver additional improvements to the adjoining Smithy Lane/Bradford Road junction. The existing kerb and tactile layout will be altered to comply with Equality Act 2010 requirements. The upgrading of the existing signalling equipment will enable both junctions to be run off a single ELV energy saving controller.
- Extensive Statutory Undertakers Diversions (telecoms, water and electricity) need to be carried out as part of the works.
Consultations
Extensive consultation has taken place with
Local ward members,
Emergency services
Metro (WYPTE),
Leeds City Council casualty reduction team, cycling team and access officer.
This scheme takes into account wherever possible, comments raised during these consultations.
For further information and to get in touch, please use the Contact us form below.
