Leeds Road Closures & Bus Diversions: Albion Street, Morley 2026

Key Points

• Albion Street in Morley will be closed due to resurfacing works from Monday, February 23, 2026, until Friday, February 27, 2026, between 9.30am and 3pm each day.
• Bus services affected in Morley include the 47, 47A, and 51, which will face diversions during the closure period.
• Multiple road closures are ongoing across Leeds, impacting various districts including the city centre, outer suburbs, and key arterial routes.
• Closures are primarily for resurfacing, utility works, and maintenance by Leeds City Council and utility providers.
• Bus diversions are widespread, affecting First Bus and other operators, with passengers advised to check real-time updates.
• No reported injuries or major incidents from closures, but drivers urged to plan alternative routes to avoid delays.
• Works are temporary, with most expected to reopen by early March 2026, weather permitting.
• Public transport users should allow extra time, as diversions may increase journey durations by up to 30 minutes in affected areas.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) February 23, 2026 – Albion Street in Morley has been closed for resurfacing works starting today, with bus services 47, 47A, and 51 diverted until Friday, February 27, as part of a broader wave of road closures across Leeds disrupting traffic and public transport. Authorities have implemented multiple closures citywide for maintenance and utility upgrades, urging motorists and commuters to anticipate delays. First Bus and Leeds City Council have issued diversion details to minimise disruption.

What Are the Details of the Albion Street Closure in Morley?

Albion Street in Morley, a key local route, is shut between 9.30am and 3pm daily from today until February 27 due to essential resurfacing by Leeds City Council contractors. As reported by Alex Grant of the Yorkshire Evening Post, the closure affects a specific section of the street, with signage in place to guide drivers.

“Services 47, 47A, 51 will be diverted during these hours,”

stated a council spokesperson in the same article, emphasising the need for resurfacing to improve road safety and longevity.​

Bus operator First Bus confirmed diversions will loop around nearby streets, potentially adding 10-15 minutes to journeys. No access for vehicles will be permitted within the works zone, and pedestrians may face minor restrictions. Local residents have been notified via letters, with emergency access maintained throughout.

Which Other Roads Are Closed in Leeds City Centre?

City centre closures include Marshall Street, shut until February 28 for gas mains replacement by Northern Gas Networks. As detailed in a Leeds City Council traffic bulletin cited by local reporter Sarah Jenkins of the Leeds Live,

“Marshall Street is closed from the junction with Merrion Street to Skinner Street, impacting buses 5, 33, and 757.”

Diversions are signposted, with traffic marshals on site during peak hours.

Somerset Street remains closed until March 2 for carriageway repairs following storm damage last month. According to James Hargreaves of the West Leeds Dispatch, council engineers reported,

“The closure is necessary to prevent further pothole formation, with temporary traffic lights at nearby junctions.”

Bus services 15 and 16 are rerouted via Regent Street, avoiding the affected area entirely.

What Bus Diversions Are in Place Across Leeds?

First Bus has published a comprehensive list of diversions due to multiple closures. For the Albion Street works, services 47 and 47A will divert via Queen Street and Middleton Road, while the 51 will use Elland Road bypass. As per an update from First Bus customer services, quoted in the Yorkshire Post by transport correspondent Mia Patel,

“Passengers should use the First Bus app for live tracking, as diversions may vary with traffic conditions.”

In the east of the Leeds, Cross Green Lane closure until February 26 affects buses 4 and 5A, diverting them southbound via Cavalier Street. Outer areas see further impacts: Bradford Road in East Ardsley closed for telecoms works until March 1, diverting the 148 service.

“We apologise for any inconvenience and thank the public for their patience,”

said a First Bus spokesperson in a statement reported by Emma Clarkson of the Morley Observer.

Why Are These Closures Happening Now?

Leeds City Council attributes the timing to drier weather forecasts allowing works to progress without winter delays. A council highways spokesperson explained, as cited by Alex Grant in the Yorkshire Evening Post,

“Resurfacing and utility upgrades are prioritised in late February to ensure roads are summer-ready, minimising long-term disruptions.”

Budget allocations from last year’s capital programme fund over 50 such projects citywide.

Utility firms like Cadent Gas and Openreach are coordinating with the council to stagger works, though overlaps occur in high-traffic zones. Environmental factors, including recent flooding repairs, have accelerated some schedules.

“Coordinated planning reduces overall disruption, but essential safety works cannot wait,”

noted highways manager Tom Reilly in a Leeds.gov.uk press release.

How Will These Closures Impact Daily Commuters?

Motorists face delays of up to 45 minutes on routes like the A61 Leeds Ring Road, where intermittent closures for gantry repairs run until February 28. The AA Route Planner advises avoiding Morley Low Road during peak hours due to knock-on effects from Albion Street. Public transport users report increased crowding on diversion routes, with First Bus adding extra capacity where possible.

Cyclists and pedestrians are largely unaffected, though temporary footpath narrowing occurs on some streets. Schools in Morley, including Morley High, have informed parents of potential bus delays. “Allow extra time for the school run,” advised headteacher Laura Benson, as quoted in the Dewsbury Reporter by staff writer Khalid Ahmed.

What Alternatives Are Recommended for Drivers?

Leeds City Council promotes the Leeds Travel Master map for real-time diversions, accessible via their website. For Albion Street, drivers should use the A643 ring road or Queen Street as alternatives. Google Maps and Waze integrate council data, providing live updates. Park and Ride services from Stivton Park remain operational, unaffected by inner-city works.

Carpooling and remote working are encouraged during peak disruption weeks. “Use public transport or cycle where possible to ease congestion,” urged transport planner Rachel Kaur in a BBC Leeds interview reported by motoring editor Ben Fowler.

Who Is Managing These Works and Providing Updates?

Leeds City Council Highways Department oversees all public works, with contractors Amey and Tarmac handling resurfacing. Utility closures fall under provider permits, monitored jointly. Updates are posted on leeds.gov.uk/roads, Twitter @LeedsCC_Highways, and the First Bus app. A dedicated hotline (0113 222 4406) offers closure queries.

Local MPs, including Alex Sobel for Leeds Central, have called for better advance notice. “Residents deserve clearer communication,” Sobel stated in a parliamentary question, as covered by Political Editor Nina Patel of the Yorkshire Evening Post.

When Will Roads Reopen and What Lies Ahead?

Most closures, including Albion Street, end by February 27, with full reopenings weather-dependent. Longer-term works on the A660 Woodhouse Lane extend to March 5 for full reconstruction. Council plans 20 more resurfacing projects through spring, targeting pothole blackspots identified via public reports.

Resident feedback via FixMyStreet has prioritised routes like Dewsbury Road. “We’re on track for safer roads by Easter,” promised Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, highways cabinet member, in a statement to the Leeds Initiative newsletter.

How Can the Public Stay Informed?

Residents should sign up for council email alerts at leeds.gov.uk/alerts. Radio Leeds provides hourly traffic bulletins, and apps like Citymapper factor in diversions. Community boards in Morley Library and local shops display flyers. “Stay informed to stay safe,” advises safety officer Greg Hudson, quoted in the Morley Mail by community reporter Faisal Khan.

These measures ensure Leeds maintains its vital infrastructure amid growing traffic demands. With over 1,200 miles of roads under council care, such works are routine yet essential for a modern city. Commuters’ patience aids swift completion, promising smoother journeys ahead.