The new East Leeds Orbital Route (ELOR), which Leeds City Council says is its biggest infrastructure project in 50 years, has opened.
One of the key aims of the project was the easing of congestion in residential areas across Cross Gates, Seacroft and Whitkirk.
The scheme provides 7km (4.3 miles) of dual carriageway and 14km (8.6 miles) of dedicated cycleways and pedestrian and equestrian pathways. The project includes new access points to improve connectivity to surrounding areas.
The scheme includes new green space and parkland, with the council intending to plant more than 40,000 new shrubs and trees and introduce wildflower spaces in the area.
According to the council, the scheme has been delivered ahead of schedule and on-budget, despite the pandemic and rising materials costs.
James Lewis, council leader, said: “The East Leeds Extension has been a major long-standing commitment to enable the sustainable growth of the city.
“The overall plan will create attractive new neighbourhoods integrated with surrounding local communities and provide parks and infrastructure that serve the needs of new and existing East Leeds residents.
“The new pathways and cycleways provide active travel infrastructure to better connect local communities and help make active, healthy travel options available to all as we work towards being carbon net zero by 2030.
“Now open, the ELOR and the East Leeds Extension will improve connectivity, help regenerate the wider East Leeds area by boosting economic growth and bringing more jobs and homes to the area, with connected green spaces that promote active travel and healthy lifestyles.”
The extension will reportedly allow for the development of up to 5,000 new homes and supporting infrastructure.
