Colas is near completion of the new Thornbury Barracks roundabout, which aims to address the significant traffic congestion located on the A647 (at the junction with the B6154) – the principal highway link between Leeds and Bradford, improving journey times, in particular for public transport.
Previous road safety issues have also influenced the scheme. Traffic signals have been placed on the junction, with central running lanes constructed through the previous roundabout.
Michael Holmes – Colas Business Manager Leeds said: "Following a period of Early Contract Involvement (ECI), it was rewarding to be granted the opportunity to deliver the construction of a major pinch point project. The award itself progresses the Leeds Contracting unit to a new level in reference to the scheme discipline and project value, and provides further indication of our commitment and strength of relationship with Leeds City Council."
The project show-cases Colas competencies in highways civils works but also highlights additional diversification with the infill of a local subway underpass, using a foam concrete option not previously used in Leeds. It provides an excellent example of the ongoing integration with the client’s network management team, as Colas devise and implement pedestrian and vehicular management systems, safe guarding local stakeholders and the site team, delivering the works in what is a highly trafficked arterial route between Leeds and Bradford.
There has been minimal disruption to local residents during the scheme as construction has been limited to weekends, nights and off-peak hours. To date, there have been no road closures, however as the completion is nearing this may be necessary in the final weeks of the project. Diversions will be in place, and these have already been agreed with Leeds City Council, ward members and local councillors.
The project started in July 2014 and is due to complete in April. This follows on from the successful Elland Road – Park & Ride Scheme.
Colas had to manage the busy 24 hour traffic, so getting materials and plant to the locations has been logistically challenging throughout the course of the works.