Home » EUROPE » Now Leeds Traffic Disruption Temporary Traffic Lights to Be Installed on Tony Road for Month-Long Gas Works: Know The Details

Sunday, July 13, 2025

Communters and travellers passing through Leeds should braced for delays over the next month as temporary traffic lights on Tony Road are set to have a huge impact. The work forms part of essential work to modernise the city’s ageing gas network, which is being carried out by Northern Gas Networks (NGN). Although the tasks are critical to ensure a stable flow of gas to homes andbusinesses in the area, they are sure to impose travel hassles, especially during the busiest travel periods.

If you are a local commuter trying to get to work, a tourist, exploring many of the attractions of the City or just someone passing through, the temporary traffic lights on Tony’s Road will affect how long it will take you to get from A in the Tony Road area to Useful B. Advice to drivers and public transport users Drivers and public transport users are being warned to allow extra time for their journeys and to consider alternate routes after both the Leeds City Council and NGN also released strong advice.

This gap in service will last about a month, and, as evidenced by previous situations, is likely to lead to a bottleneck during peak hours, so you’ll need some strategic planning if you don’t want to be overwhelmed and need to eat your lunch hour. Here’s what’s to know about the coming disruptions and how to prepare.

Why the Disruptions Are Happening: Gas Works for an Upgraded Future

The temporary traffic lights are part of a wider project to replace ageing gas pipes on Tony Road. The pipes are decades old and are barely sufficient for the community’s current needs. It’s part of replacement work being carried out by Northern Gas Networks (NGN) to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply in the city, which will mean we don’t have to respond to future gas losses due to leaks in the area.

And while this work is certainly needed for the long-term health and well-being of the community, it also brings with it some short-term hassle. Tony Road is one of the main routes for those heading into the city and commuters, with traffic management in place that could cause lengthy delays. Temporary traffic lights are expected to be in place for four weeks, with the work carried out in stages to pave the way for replacing sections of the pipeline.

The works will cause traffic disruption and congestion on surrounding roads, the Leeds City Council said. This is particularly true at peak times so when there is a heavy flow of traffic on Tony Road. Temporary traffic lights will be put in place to assist in managing this and to maintain the flow of traffic and progress of the project. Drivers, however, will encounter long delays while driving through the construction zone.

Temporary Traffic Lights: What You Need to Know

The decision to put up temporary traffic lights, on Tony Road, isn’t only to ensure the traffic keeps flowing; it’s also to ensure the saftey of the workforce and drivers. Because of the character of the gas works the road must be well guarded so that those engaged in the work and others who have occasion to use the road will be safe.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN) have promised residents and motorists that the works will be done in stages in a bid to reduce the overall impact. However, with the nature of architectural work theres always the chance of hidden problems causing unexpected delays. That could result from weather, supply issues or other logistics challenges. You will need to keep an open mind and consideration for slight updates or changes to travel plans.

While the works are taking place, the Leeds City Council is urging drivers on the affected routes to be patient and to obey the signage and traffic lights from the temporary lights at the site. If you’re passing through, be prepared for slower traffic and longer lines. Although the road is still somewhat passable, it will not be an easy drive for those unprepared.

What to Expect in Travel Delays: Disrupted Traffic Flow

The busiest times of day are projected to be during the morning and afternoon rush hour on Tony Road. During these time periods, the corridor is most likely to experience significant congestion, with car queues stretching for several miles along the work zone. The temporary traffic lights will inhibit the natural flow of traffic, particularly when several vehicles reach the interception simultaneously.

For any drivers that aren’t local and perhaps are visiting Leeds for the first time, the volume of traffic going back and forth plus the lack of alternative routes can cause frustration and confusion. Local buses, including 1, 35 and 50, will be diverted away from Tony Road as well. It could also create longer transit travel times. If you’re using buses to reach your destination, consider checking live updates for delays or detours before your trip.

Like any major infrastructure undertaking, road closures, sometimes lane restrictions, may be required in the name of safety. But with a little advance warning and planning it’s possible to avoid the worst of the traffic mayhem by taking alternative routes.

How to Plan Ahead: Tips for Skirting the Worst of the Traffic

The trick to getting through this monthlong disruption with relatively little stress is preparation. Whether you’re driving or taking public transportation, there are a few things you can do to make your travels as hassle-free as possible.

Factor in Extra Time: With anticipated delays, you should probably give yourself an extra 10 to 15 minutes for your regular commute time. If you’re trying to time your arrival at work or an appointment, expect the worst and allow ample time to spare so you don’t feel harried or anxious if, and when, you encounter delays.

Regularly monitor traffic updates: Keep an eye on the Leeds City Council website or real-time traffic apps to see whether there are any ongoing road closures, diversions and congestion before you go out. Being as informed as possible will allow you to steer clear of the hardest-hit places.

Use Alternate Routes: If you can, use alternate routes and bail out of Tony Road entirely. The nearby A64 and A58 provide additional opportunities to traverse the city. These roads could be quieter but do check for any current roadworks or incidents on these routes in the area beforehand.

Use Public Transportation: Buses or trains could be an alternative to driving in traffic. That said, you still might want to confirm that your bus is not rerouted or delayed before you go. Or choose to bike or walk – if your destination is closer than you think you can bypass getting stuck in the traffic.

Keep Informed of Service Disruptions: Leeds transportation services offers real-time information on their disruptions via multiple apps and websites. Track these resources to ensure that you are not missing critical updates about your travel options.

The Good From The Gas Works: What It Does Mean For The Future of Leeds

While disturbing to many during the month, it is an investment in the city’s infrastructure. We will manage the replacement of the old gas mains on Tony Road with as little disruption to the local community as possible and it will be necessary in order to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply as Leeds expands.” The project will also provide leak prevention, improve safety, and reduce the risk of service disruptions that can be costly and inconvenient for local residents.

The benefits of this project in the long run, however, are going to be greater than the problems in the short term. NGN’s improvements are part of a programme of investment in the energy network to help ensure that energy is affordable, reliable and plentiful; both now and in the future; for Leeds and the rest of the UK.

For those of us who use the city’s gas supply to heat our homes and cook, inconveniences by these works will help ensure a more secure and more reliable energy system for years to come.

Conclusion: Steady as She Goes in Troubled Times

Next month will see major traffic disruption across Leeds as the works on the Tony Road gas works start. Even if these inconveniences are necessary to upgrade the city’s gas infrastructure, they are going to be a hassle and an annoyance for a lot of people.

Drivers and passengers can better navigate the disruptions by keeping up-to-date, setting aside extra travel time, and looking for alternate routes or public transportation. It’s very frustrating but the work being done will provide a lasting solution for the city and future proof Leeds so that we have a safe, up-to-date and reliable gas network that meets the needs of the people and organisations who live and work here for many years to come.

So, whether you’re commuting to work, going to a local event or just out for a drive, know you’ll need to plan ahead and be patient as you face these temporary disruptions. With some forethought, you’ll get to your destination with a minimum of stress.

Safe travels, and just remember that those future infrastructure improvements are always worth the extra few minutes out of your day.