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Leeds Live
Leeds Live
National
Jaimie Kay

The lost 'subway' of Leeds that made getting to the station easier and 'safer'

Once upon a time there was a flyover-cum-bridge near the train station in Leeds city centre that made getting to the other side of the road a doddle, as opposed to trying to dodge and weave through all the traffic.

However, this much easier system was removed because of crime. There were multiple reports of stabbings, abuse and drug dealing which led to the flyover's removal and some consider it quite a loss.

The current process for getting to the station, from say, the Trinity shopping centre is hardly arduous, but the traffic lights can infuriate some people. There are two sets, one on the initial taxi rank outside the entrance of the station and one just opposite O'Neil's, it can be a bit treacherous trying to cross, especially on a busy day - which is why the flyover was a preferred option.

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The station has a great amount of history behind it since its creation in 1938, before this there had been other stations but the one we know today is quite different. Because the station sits on a hill there are arches underneath, these are commonly known as the 'dark arches'.

The traffic lights outside Leeds station (Google)

The dark arches provide a route to bars and restaurants by going underneath the station, you can also get to the station's other entrance this way. This is what the flyover did a similar job of, it allowed people to quickly get access to the station.

Speaking to a few people in Leeds, it seems not many are aware of the flyover, but those that were, agreed that it would make sense to have something like that in place.

Mark, a long-time resident and frequent commuter said: "It makes sense, crossing this road at busy times, it can be a bit every man for himself. I think a safer passage is a great idea if it is properly policed and managed."

Did you use the flyover? Let us know in the comments below.

Jenny said: "I remember it vaguely, but I never really understood the point, it was messy and there was crime so I'd sooner just cross the road normally than open people up to that."

Over the years, the station has seen improvements. In 2016, £17.3 million was spent building the southern entrance, this allowed easier access from the south and included a footbridge, escalators, stairs and lifts over the river aire.

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