Infrastructure group Balfour Beatty has been appointed by Leeds City Council as the sole contractor responsible for delivering the Leeds Inner Ring Road Strategy.

The works are valued at up to £120M and will be procured and delivered via the Leeds Contractors Major Works Framework, to which Balfour Beatty was appointed in 2023.

The seven-year programme of maintenance, asset renewal and major structural improvements, is designed to safeguard one of the city’s most critical transport arteries for decades to come.

Under the strategy, the company will undertake a comprehensive programme of annual planned maintenance and major structural interventions across the 4km route, which carries over 83,000 vehicles per day and comprises more than 135 structures including bridges, tunnels and extensive retaining walls.

Balfour Beatty Divisional CEO for UK Defence, Power & Regional Infrastructure Nick Crossfield 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.”

Alongside the planned maintenance programme, Balfour Beatty will deliver targeted strengthening and refurbishment to priority assets, including design and build packages to extend the life of four bridges and viaducts, as well as three tunnels and one footbridge.

Balfour Beatty will now work with Leeds City Council and its design and engineering partners through Early Contractor Involvement, to develop its approach to construction methodology, sequencing, logistics and buildability within a tightly constrained urban environment.

Leeds City Council’s executive member for transport and planning Peter Carlill 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.

Maintenance works will begin immediately, with the major structural interventions commencing in 2027. The full programme of works, including maintenance and the design and build of new assets, will be completed in 2032.

Like what you've read? To receive New Civil Engineer's daily and weekly newsletters click here.