Balfour Beatty has been appointed by Leeds City Council to deliver a seven-year strategy to maintain and strengthen the Leeds Inner Ring Road.
The contractor will act as sole delivery partner for the programme, procured through the Leeds Contractors Major Works Framework, to which Balfour Beatty was appointed in 2023. The works are valued at up to £120m over the seven-year period.
The 2.5-mile route carries more than 83,000 vehicles a day and includes over 135 structures, among them bridges, tunnels and retaining walls. Balfour Beatty will carry out annual planned maintenance alongside major structural interventions, including design and build packages to extend the life of four bridges and viaducts, three tunnels and one footbridge.
The company will work with Leeds City Council and its design and engineering partners through Early Contractor Involvement to shape construction methodology, sequencing, logistics and buildability within the constrained city-centre environment.
Maintenance works will begin immediately, with major structural interventions starting in 2027. The full programme, including maintenance and the design and build of new assets, is due to complete in 2032.
Nick Crossfield, Balfour Beatty divisional chief executive for UK defence, power and regional infrastructure, said: “We are proud to be entrusted to deliver a long-term strategy to protect a route that is fundamental to the economy of Leeds and the wider region.
“Our team has meticulously planned every stage alongside Leeds City Council, to ensure that we can deliver safely, efficiently and to the highest standards, working hand in hand with our valued supply chain partners.”
Councillor Peter Carlill, Leeds City Council’s executive member for transport and planning, said: “The Inner Ring Road plays a vital role in keeping Leeds moving, carrying more than 80,000 vehicles a day. This major investment in planned maintenance will ensure the route remains fit for the future, while supporting our wider Connecting Leeds strategy to manage traffic more effectively and create a more people-focused city centre.
“We recognise that there will be some temporary disruption, however by taking a planned, long-term approach now, we are reducing the risk of unplanned closures and disruption in the future, protecting connectivity for residents, businesses and visitors across the city.
“This work is essential to support Leeds’ continued growth, improve resilience across our transport network, and enable future investment in public transport, walking and cycling.”
Main image: The current Leeds Inner Ring Road
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