Leeds Routes Adjust for Infrastructure Work
Three Leeds bus routes face weekend diversions through May 31 for electrical work
Leeds Routes 229, 254, 255 Face Weekend Diversions
Riders on three Leeds bus routes will encounter diversions on multiple weekends through late May as roadworks continue on Wellington Street. Arriva UK Bus confirmed the disruptions affect routes 229, 254, and 255, with work scheduled to continue through May 31, 2026. The roadworks involve installation of a new electrical connection, requiring buses to bypass a section of Wellington Street between Northern Street and Thirsk Row.
Infrastructure Work Requires Route Changes
The electrical connection installation represents ongoing infrastructure improvements in Leeds' city center, transit officials said. Wellington Street serves as a key corridor for multiple bus routes connecting Leeds with surrounding communities including Cleckheaton and Heckmondwike. The work is being conducted over weekends throughout April and May 2026 to minimize disruption during peak weekday commuting hours. Officials haven't specified the exact number of weekends affected or provided a detailed schedule of which specific dates will see diversions.
Diversion Routes Vary by Direction
Buses heading toward Leeds will divert via Northern Street, Whitehall Road, and Thirsk Row, according to Arriva UK Bus. Services traveling toward Cleckheaton and Heckmondwike will follow the normal route out of Leeds, officials said. The Wellington I E-bound bus stop will be impacted during the works, though officials didn't specify whether the stop will be temporarily closed or relocated. The diversion adds several blocks to the inbound journey, but Arriva hasn't released estimates of how much additional travel time riders should expect.
Weekend Work Schedule Extends Through May
The roadworks are scheduled to take place over multiple weekends throughout April and May 2026, with the disruption continuing through May 31 and June 1, Arriva UK Bus confirmed. Officials didn't provide a complete list of affected weekend dates or specify whether all weekends during this period will see work. The agency said it's coordinating with contractors to complete the electrical connection installation as efficiently as possible.
Riders Advised to Plan Extra Time
Passengers on routes 229, 254, and 255 should allow additional travel time on affected weekends, transit officials said. The diversions will add distance to inbound journeys toward Leeds, though outbound services will maintain normal routing. Riders can check Moovit for real-time updates on route diversions and adjusted stop locations during the Wellington Street roadworks. Officials said they'll provide advance notice before each weekend of work, though specific details about notification timing weren't available.
