Key Points
- Essential carriageway resurfacing works on the A65 Leeds Road, Horsforth, near the junction with Knott Lane, commence on Monday, January 19, 2026.
- The works will last for two weeks, occurring on weekdays only.
- First week (week commencing January 19): evening works from 19:00 to 23:00 to minimise disruption.
- Second week (week commencing January 26): daytime works from 09:30 to 15:00.
- All works conducted under temporary traffic signals.
- Advanced notice boards to be placed on site as soon as possible.
- Affected properties to receive direct communication via post.
- Buses impacted only if bus stops fall within the work area; such stops will be cordoned off, closed, with temporary stops provided if safe.
- Works planned around the needs of the travelling public and neighbouring properties to limit disruption while fulfilling commitment to highway maintenance and improvement.
Horsforth, Leeds City Council Highways Department, January 16, 2026 – Essential resurfacing works on the A65 Leeds Road in Horsforth, near its junction with Knott Lane, are scheduled to begin on Monday, January 19, and continue for two weeks on weekdays only. Leeds City Council’s Highways department has confirmed that the project aims to improve the carriageway on this key route while minimising disruption through timed operations and advance notifications. Temporary traffic signals will manage flow throughout, with direct letters sent to nearby residents.
- Key Points
- What Are the Exact Dates and Duration of the A65 Resurfacing Works?
- Why Are the Works Timed Differently Each Week?
- How Will Temporary Traffic Management Affect Drivers?
- What Advance Notices Are Residents Receiving?
- Which Bus Services Might Face Disruptions?
- Why Is This Resurfacing Essential for the A65 Leeds Road?
- How Does the Council Justify the Planning Approach?
- What Broader Impact Does This Have on Horsforth Commuters?
- Are There Any Reported Concerns from Local Stakeholders?
- When Will the A65 Leeds Road Fully Reopen Post-Works?
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council’s Highways department outlined the detailed schedule, stating the works will occur in evenings during the first week and daytime in the second to balance public needs. Advanced signage will appear promptly, and bus services face limited impact unless stops are directly affected.
What Are the Exact Dates and Duration of the A65 Resurfacing Works?
The resurfacing project kicks off on Monday, January 19, 2026, and spans a full two weeks, strictly limited to weekdays. As reported directly from the Leeds City Council Highways department announcement, this timeline ensures completion without weekend interference, prioritising efficiency on the busy A65 Leeds Road in Horsforth.
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council’s Highways department said: “To keep any disruption to a minimum these works will be carried out on an evening during the first week (WC 19th January), between the hours of 19:00 – 23:00.” During week two (WC 26th January), operations shift to the working day between 09:30 – 15:00, allowing crews to address the carriageway in the immediate vicinity of the Knott Lane junction under controlled conditions.
Why Are the Works Timed Differently Each Week?
Evening shifts in the first week target off-peak hours to reduce commuter impact on this vital thoroughfare. The spokesperson elaborated: “During week two (WC 26th January) the works will be undertaken during the working day between 09:30 – 15:00. All works will be undertaken under temporary traffic signals.”
This staggered approach reflects careful planning for a route frequented by many motorists and locals alike. By aligning with quieter periods initially, the council seeks to ease peak-hour strains before transitioning to daylight for precision tasks.
How Will Temporary Traffic Management Affect Drivers?
Temporary traffic signals will regulate all phases of the works, ensuring safety amid the resurfacing near Knott Lane. The spokesperson confirmed: “All works will be undertaken under temporary traffic signals,” a standard measure for such highway interventions.
Drivers should anticipate delays, particularly during the specified hours, but the council emphasises that signals will optimise flow where possible. As a key artery linking Horsforth to broader Leeds networks, the A65 demands such regulated access during maintenance.
What Advance Notices Are Residents Receiving?
Advanced notice boards will be erected on site as soon as possible to alert all road users. Additionally, affected properties will receive direct communication via post, providing specifics on timelines and potential disturbances.
The spokesperson noted: “Advanced notice boards will be placed on site ASAP and affected properties will receive direct communication via post.” This dual notification strategy underscores the council’s proactive stance on transparency for Horsforth’s community.
Which Bus Services Might Face Disruptions?
Bus operations remain largely unaffected unless stops lie within the precise work zone. In such instances, the stop will be cordoned off and closed, with a temporary alternative provided if deemed safe.
The spokesperson clarified: “Buses will only be affected if bus stops are within the work area. If this is the case said bus stop will be cordoned off and closed with a temporary bus stop provided if safe to do so.” Public transport users are advised to check operator updates, as the A65 serves multiple routes through Horsforth.
Why Is This Resurfacing Essential for the A65 Leeds Road?
The A65 Leeds Road stands as a key route for numerous travellers, necessitating upkeep to sustain safety and functionality. These works form part of Leeds City Council’s broader commitment to maintaining and enhancing the highway network.
As affirmed by the spokesperson: “These works, on a key route for many, have been planned wholly around the needs of the travelling public and neighbouring properties in the best possible way so as to limit disruption whilst delivering this road scheme as part of our commitment to maintaining and improving the highway network.” Deterioration from heavy use prompts this timely intervention at the Horsforth junction.
How Does the Council Justify the Planning Approach?
Planning prioritises minimal intrusion for both commuters and residents bordering the site. The phased timing— evenings first, then daytime—directly responds to public convenience on this prominent stretch.
The spokesperson reiterated the balanced methodology: “These works… have been planned wholly around the needs of the travelling public and neighbouring properties in the best possible way so as to limit disruption.” This resident-focused execution aligns with council mandates for infrastructure projects in densely trafficked areas like Horsforth.
What Broader Impact Does This Have on Horsforth Commuters?
Horsforth residents and Leeds-bound drivers will navigate altered conditions for a fortnight, but safeguards aim to preserve accessibility. The A65’s role as a primary corridor amplifies the need for swift, considerate execution.
No additional media reports beyond the council’s statement have emerged on this specific project as of January 16, 2026, confirming it as a localised Highways department initiative. Commuters are urged to plan alternate paths if feasible, heeding on-site signals and signage.
Are There Any Reported Concerns from Local Stakeholders?
At this stage, no public objections or stakeholder comments have surfaced in available coverage. The council’s advance notifications via post and boards preempt potential issues, fostering community awareness ahead of January 19.
Should concerns arise, residents can engage via standard council channels, though the announcement frames the works as non-controversial maintenance. The emphasis on “essential” underscores urgency without escalating to crisis levels.
When Will the A65 Leeds Road Fully Reopen Post-Works?
Completion by early February 2026 follows the two-week span, restoring normalcy to the Knott Lane vicinity. Weekday-only operations accelerate progress without prolonging exposure.
Final checks under temporary signals ensure quality before full reopening, per Highways protocols. Motorists can anticipate the route’s return to peak condition thereafter, bolstering Horsforth’s connectivity.
Leeds City Council’s proactive disclosure, as quoted extensively herein, equips the public with comprehensive details for informed travel planning. This resurfacing exemplifies routine yet critical upkeep on vital regional arteries, delivered with due regard for daily life in Horsforth.