Works to make Leeds city centre an "even safer place to live, work and visit" are now underway, the council has confirmed.
In preparation for City Square's permanent closure to general traffic in February next year, all through-traffic will now be diverted away from the area opposite the railway station. Leeds City Council says the work will help create a "world-class gateway to the city centre" and will transform City Square into a "more people-first environment."
The council has confirmed diversions for traffic travelling north into the city are in place along Neville Street, Bishopgate Street and Swinegate.
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Access through City Square on Wellington Street past the railway station and The Queens Hotel is expected to be restricted to local property access only. As a result, motorists have been advised to plan ahead and consider different forms of travel such as using the park and ride scheme, cycling, or travelling by bus or train.
Leeds city councillor Helen Hayden, executive member for infrastructure and climate, said: "Removing through traffic from City Square has been a long-held ambition, and feedback from residents and business was that they want major improvements such as these made as quickly as possible, so we’re working hard to do this.
"The ongoing works at the station provide the opportunity to carry out these works at City Square at the same time and redress the current imbalance where thousands of pedestrians are using this area each day yet its layout favours vehicles – at a time of growing footfall at the railway station.
"We ask for people's patience as we recognise that these improvements will cause disruption over the short term, and we apologise for any inconvenience. We are committed to keeping everyone updated as regularly as possible on any changes or works which may affect how people travel into the city."
The council has warned drivers wishing to gain access to the railway station pick-up/drop-off on Aire Street will need to approach from the Whitehall Road direction instead of driving through the Square. General vehicular access will still be permitted to Lower Basinghall Street from Bishopgate Street for localised access and designated blue badge parking bays.
The work forms part of a major package of investment for Leeds city centre totalling around £15m.
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