Concerns as motorists say Stanningley Bypass is 'buckling under the heat'

Stanningley Bypass, part of a major route between Bradford and Leeds, has been a cause for concern as drivers claim that ‘large ramps’ have formed as a result of the warm weather.

One motorist even said that she thought that speed bumps had been installed because the road imperfections were so prominent.

The road today

Wendy Bullock, who lives in Calverley, said she drove down the bypass on Saturday and was left “shocked” after she went over the large bump.

“I didn’t realise what it was, I was quite shocked. The council needs to get some signs asap to give people prior warning of slowing down, that’s the danger.

“Some people just fly down there without thinking and if there isn’t a warning way ahead it could cause a serious accident if it damages people's tyres or their shock absorbers go and you dread to think what will happen if that happens on the bypass.”

Another resident, Steven Inglis added: "It was just surprisingly bumpy all of a sudden which you don't expect."

Cllr Simon Seary, (Pudsey, Con) said: “Over the weekend I was contacted by concerned residents about the condition of the bypass, as the heat has recreated a number of humps across the road where the joints have failed, I contacted the highways department and asked for them to be inspected and maybe look at a temporary speed reduction in the areas.

“Unfortunately a number of the old joints on the inbound carriageway of the bypass have failed and will be temporarily repaired this week, all the new joints completed on the outbound carriageway are holding up to the heat and the road will be resurfaced later this month.”

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “We have been undertaking additional monitoring of Stanningley Bypass since last week taking into account the weather forecasts. This additional monitoring will continue into next week and beyond depending on the temperatures predicted.

“To date, three joints have lifted and arrangements are currently in place to warn drivers of these and to make temporary repairs within the next 24- 48 hours.

"Permanent repairs to damaged joints as well as resurfacing of a significant length of the outbound carriageway will be undertaken later in the year.

“These works are part of an ongoing programme of improvement works for the bypass. We have already replaced a number of the original joints on the outbound carriageway and these are performing well. In addition, we are actively pursuing the necessary funding to ensure that the remainder of the by-pass is improved in the same way along its entire length”