Leeds 2025: 10 Completed Transport Projects Transform the City

Key Points

• Leeds Bradford Airport opened its £100 million terminal expansion in June 2025.
• Three new pedestrian and cyclist bridges completed at Armley Gyratory.
• Major rail bridge replacements at Osmondthorpe Lane and Station Road, Cross Gates.
• Transformation of Leeds City Square with pedestrian-first design and public spaces.
• Stourton Park & Ride and Elland Road corridors saw major accessibility upgrades.
• Leeds City Council pushed forward with its sustainable travel agenda under the Leeds Transport Strategy.
• West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) invested heavily in green corridors and electric vehicle infrastructure.
• Road and public transport improvements connected suburbs like Holbeck, Hunslet, and Beeston more efficiently.
• New City Bike Stations and cycle lanes improved eco-mobility across central Leeds.
• Leeds University and business districts benefited from revised road layouts and better commuter integration.

How Did the New Leeds Bradford Airport Terminal Transform Regional Connectivity?

The biggest headline project of 2025 was undoubtedly the official opening of the new £100 million terminal expansion at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), celebrated in June.

According to Alex Grant of YEP, the terminal extension “provides a spacious, modern travel hub with state-of-the-art check-in, security, and departure facilities.” Passengers and airlines alike have welcomed the refreshed design, which increases passenger throughput and positions LBA competitively among UK regional airports.

LBA Chief Executive Vincent Hodder, quoted by YEP, stated that

“the new terminal is a game changer for travellers in West Yorkshire, allowing us to deliver a world-class passenger experience while supporting sustainable growth for the region.”

The expansion includes an energy-efficient design, sustainable materials, and improved public transport access — in line with Leeds City Council’s and WYCA’s net zero goals for 2038. It also introduces improved bus and rail links, making airport access smoother from the city centre.

What Changes Were Made to the Armley Gyratory?

The Armley Gyratory, one of Leeds’ most critical transport arteries, saw the completion of three new pedestrian and cyclist footbridges in 2025. The bridges — named Gelderd, Spence, and Wellington — were installed as part of the Gyratory upgrade project aimed at tackling congestion and improving safety.

As noted by YEP, the completion of these bridges marked “the final phase of major works that started in 2023.” The upgrades also included lane expansions and improved signalling systems to reduce bottlenecks.

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for Infrastructure and Climate, stated to YEP that

“the new bridges ensure safer, greener routes for pedestrians and cyclists while helping vehicles move more efficiently through one of the city’s busiest junctions.”

The Gyratory redesign forms part of the wider Connecting Leeds strategy — a joint project between the City Council, the Department for Transport, and WYCA.

Why Were the Osmondthorpe Lane and Cross Gates Railway Bridges Replaced?

Another key milestone was the replacement of railway bridges over Osmondthorpe Lane and Station Road, Cross Gates. These upgrades were undertaken by Network Rail as part of its ongoing railway safety and resilience improvement programme.

According to Alex Grant (YEP), both bridges

“underwent complete rebuilds throughout early 2025, with the Cross Gates bridge replacement taking over seven months to complete.”

The new structures are designed to handle greater rail weight loads, enabling higher-frequency services and paving the way for future electrification projects.

A Network Rail spokesperson told YEP:

“The new bridges not only enhance rail performance but also ensure safer access underneath for vehicles and pedestrians. It’s another step toward creating a more reliable network for Leeds commuters.”

How Did City Square’s Redesign Impact Urban Mobility?

The transformation of City Square into a pedestrian-priority zone was another noticeable change. The square, which now features expanded walking areas, improved bus priorities, and enlarged green space, has reshaped how people move through the heart of Leeds.

As reported in YEP’s broader “Biggest Transport Changes in 2025” feature, the square “has been reimagined as a civic hub — one aligned with Leeds’s ambition for a more liveable, sustainable city centre.”

City planners emphasised that the redesign supports the Leeds Future Mobility Zone initiative, encouraging reduced car dependency within the inner city by promoting cycling, walking, and public transport interchange.

Local business owner Clare Wilkinson, quoted in the YEP report, said:

“The new City Square has brought more people back into the centre. It’s more walkable and vibrant — a place people linger rather than rush through.”

What Improvements Were Noticed at Stourton Park & Ride and Elland Road?

Two of the city’s busiest commuter hubs — Stourton Park & Ride and Elland Road corridors — also received accessibility and capacity upgrades in 2025. Stourton, known for being one of the UK’s first fully solar-powered park-and-ride sites, added additional EV charging bays and expanded parking capacity.

Meanwhile, at Elland Road, new signalling and road layout changes improved traffic flow around the M621 corridor. According to YEP, these changes

“came as part of the ongoing investment in reducing congestion and supporting public transport integration with Leeds Bus services.”

How Is the City Encouraging Sustainable Travel and Cycling?

Throughout 2025, Leeds expanded its City Bike network, with new docking stations installed across key business districts, universities, and riverfront areas.

In line with the city’s Transport Strategy Plan 2024–2028, the new cycle infrastructure links previously disconnected parts of the city — from Headingley to Holbeck — enabling more active, zero-emission commuting options.

As per YEP’s coverage,

“cycle lane extensions on major roads like Kirkstall Road and Meanwood Road have already seen daily usage increases by up to 30% according to council monitoring.”

What Role Did the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Play?

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) continued to play a central role in funding Leeds’s infrastructure renewal. WYCA contributed significantly to the Armley Gyratory, bridge replacements, and the LBA terminal revamp, as part of the Transforming Cities Fund.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, had earlier said in public remarks (reported by YEP):

“These projects are about connecting people to opportunities — jobs, education, and culture — while ensuring transport works for everyone, not just cars.”

Which Other Neighbourhoods Benefited from 2025 Developments?

Neighbouring districts — including Hunslet, Beeston, Holbeck, and Cross Green — benefited indirectly from road surface renewals, better bus corridor networks, and safer pedestrian crossings, funded under the Safer Roads Leeds programme.

These upgrades are designed to complement long-term plans for Mass Transit Leeds, the city’s proposed tram-style system expected to break ground later this decade. Following 2025’s visible progress, civic leaders believe the groundwork for larger mobility reform is now firmly in place.

What’s Next for Leeds Transport Beyond 2025?

Looking forward, Leeds City Council and WYCA officials have outlined ambitions for additional improvements in 2026 — including enhancements at Leeds Station, continued expansion of zero-emission bus fleets, and early groundwork for the West Yorkshire Mass Transit network.

In conclusion, as summarised by Alex Grant (YEP):

“2025 became the year when years of planning finally materialised into concrete change — where cranes, closures, and construction sites became completed routes, terminals, and bridges.”