Major motorway reopens after two years with lower speeds and new enforcement cameras

Work began in 2022 with the closures taking place from May 2023 when J2a exit slip (Cemetery Road) was permanently shut, reducing the amount of commuter traffic using local roads in Hunslet and Beeston.

The project aimed to reduce congestion and enhance safety for motorist. But all lane restrictions and temporary speed limits have now been lifted, allowing drivers to carry on travelling as normal.

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As part of the closures, National Highways rolled out several changes to the motorway including additional lanes at J3, more free-flowing traffic between J1 and J3, and the installation of new technology such as overhead electronic signs, roadside signals, emergency phones, and CCTV.

A key feature of the project was the implementation of average speed enforcement cameras to help maintain the 50mph speed limit and reduce collision risks.

Christopher Ward, National Highways Project Manager said: "For two years we have been working with our partners and communities to make journeys in and through Leeds safer and reduce congestion on this route, and we're delighted that the M621 works are now almost complete."

Ward added that the improvements would benefit both drivers and the local economy by enhancing access to Leeds city centre and surrounding areas.

While the main carriageway works are finished, some overnight lane closures may still occur in the coming weeks to address minor defects.

Work will continue on the J2 (Elland Road) roundabout, where additional lanes have been added and new traffic signals are being installed.

The project is expected to result in more reliable journeys, decreased risk of slow-speed collisions, and improved traffic flow throughout the city.

The reopening of the M621 also forms part of a broader effort by the agency to improve road infrastructure in the region. National Highways is also working on a central barrier upgrade on the M1 between junctions 43 and 47.

Ward added: "Once the entire scheme is finished, the M621 will be more reliable with less congestion. The risk of slow-speed collisions will have decreased, making it a safer part of the road network.

"Drivers, residents and businesses in Leeds have been very patient and we’re grateful to them for their support. We believe these improvements will not only be good news for drivers but also the local and regional economy as we’ve improved the way people and businesses access Leeds city centre and the surrounding area.”

While the M621 improvements are nearing completion, other road safety initiatives continue across the region. In County Durham, five drivers were recently fined for speeding on the A1 motorway.

The offences occurred at various points along the route, including between junctions 61 and 62, and junctions 63 and 62. Fines ranged from £40 to £660, with some drivers also receiving penalty points or disqualification.

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The new speed cameras capture images of vehicles as they pass using automatic number plate recognition technology.

When the same vehicle is recorded by another camera connected to the system, the average speed of the vehicle is calculated between the cameras. If a driving breach is flagged, West Yorkshire Police can issues a penalty to the driver.

The 7.7-mile-long motorway in West Yorkshire takes traffic into central Leeds between the M1 and M62 motorways.