The final section of a £50m inner ring road around Leeds city has opened today.
The road, which has been under construction since May 2006, should ease congestion in Holbeck and Hunslet areas as well as the city centre.
A significant part of the construction budget was spent on the John Smeaton viaduct, a 500m-long structure built with 2200 tonnes of steel beams.
“Not only will it relieve pressure from the city centre and surrounding areas, but the enhanced road network will help attract further development and investment in the city," said Andrew Carter, executive member for development and regeneration in Leeds council.
Construction on the inner ring road began in the 1970s and divided into seven stages. This is the final stage.
Another new road is also nearing completion to aid the traffic flow in and around Leeds. The East Link Ring road is due to open in December and will connect the inner ring road with the M1 motorway.
