M621 junctions 1 to 7

We’re carrying out a series of improvements to key junctions on the M621.

Start date Started

End date 2022-24

Cost £49.8M

Speed limit statutory instruments consultation

A consultation has been opened to give you the opportunity to comment on the proposed amendments to speed limits on the M621 motorway.

Click here

Latest updates

28 November 2023
M621 Planned closures: 28 November - 3 December 2023

Between Tuesday 28 November and Sunday 3 December 2023 we will be undertaking a series of overnight closures on the M621. You may also notice some lane closures in place overnight while we carry out our improvement works, particularly around Junction 2.

Lane closures create a safe area for our work force and live traffic while allowing the roads and junctions to remain open. Where it is safe to do so, we will install lane closures instead of full closures to minimise disruption.

Upcoming closures:

Tuesday 28 November 2023 (between 8pm and 6am)
- M621 closed overnight between Junction 1 and Junction 3 eastbound (B&Q roundabout to A653/Dewsbury Road)
- Full closure of Cemetery Road at Elland Road junction overnight for resurfacing work
Wednesday 29 November 2023 (between 8pm and 6am)
- No planned closures due to Leeds United home fixture
Thursday 30 November 2023 (between 8pm and 6am)
- M621 closed overnight between Junction 1 and Junction 3 eastbound (B&Q roundabout to A653/Dewsbury Road)
- Full closure of Cemetery Road at Elland Road junction overnight for resurfacing work
Friday 1 December 2023 (between 8pm and 6am)
- M621 closed overnight between Junction 1 and Junction 3 eastbound (B&Q roundabout to A653/Dewsbury Road)
- Full closure of Cemetery Road at Elland Road junction overnight for resurfacing work
Saturday 2 December 2023
- No planned closures
Sunday 3 December 2023
- No planned closures
We will also have 3-way traffic lights in place at the junction of Elland Road (south), Cemetery Road.

For all of the above closures, fully signed diversion routes will be in place.

We know there’s never a good time to close a busy road like the M621 and understand closures can cause disruption to journeys, for which we apologise.

To reduce the impact of our improvement works on road users we will be carrying out any works that require closures overnight while traffic levels are lighter. So, if you don’t see us working on the road during the day, this is why.

We’d like to thank everyone for their patience while we carry out our improvement work.
20 November 2023
M621 Planned closures: 20-26 November 2023

Between Monday 20 October and Sunday 26 November 2023 we will be undertaking a series of overnight closures on the M621. You may also notice some lane closures in place overnight while we carry out our improvement works, particularly around Junction 2.

Lane closures create a safe area for our work force and live traffic while allowing the roads and junctions to remain open. Where it is safe to do so, we will install lane closures instead of full closures to minimise disruption.

Upcoming closures:

Monday 20 November 2023 (between 8pm and 6am)
- Junction 2 eastbound entry slip road closed overnight
- Junction 2 eastbound exit slip road closed overnight
Tuesday 21 November 2023 (between 8pm and 6am)
- Junction 2 eastbound entry slip road closed overnight
- Junction 2 eastbound exit slip road closed overnight
Wednesday 22 November 2023 (between 8pm and 6am)
- No planned closures
Thursday 23 November 2023 (between 8pm and 6am)
- No planned closures
Friday 24 November 2023 (between 8pm and 6am)
- Junction 2 eastbound entry slip road closed overnight
- Junction 2 eastbound exit slip road closed overnight
Saturday 25 November 2023
- No planned closures
Sunday 26 November 2023
- No planned closures
We will also have 3-way traffic lights in place at the junction of Elland Road (south), Cemetery Road.

For all of the above closures, fully signed diversion routes will be in place.

We know there’s never a good time to close a busy road like the M621 and understand closures can cause disruption to journeys, for which we apologise.

To reduce the impact of our improvement works on road users we will be carrying out any works that require closures overnight while traffic levels are lighter. So, if you don’t see us working on the road during the day, this is why.

We’d like to thank everyone for their patience while we carry out our improvement work.
27 October 2023
Installation of Super-span gantries junction 2

Two new overhead gantries will be set in place above the M621 in Leeds during the next phase of work.

They will be installed next month at junction 2 near Elland Road, and between junction 2 and junction 3, adjacent to the junction 2a slip road.

The structures are part of our major improvements to the M621 between junctions 1 and 7, which will include new safety cameras and improved signage as well as free flow links connecting the A643 at junction 2 and extra lane capacity at junctions 2 and 7.

During the installation, the M621 will be closed between junction 1 and junction 3 eastbound, and junction 4 and junction 2 westbound, on the following dates:
- On Saturday 4 November, the gantry is being installed at junction 2a.
- On Saturday 11 November, the new structure is being installed at junction 2
- Between Monday 13 and Friday 17 November, closures will be in place while all necessary completion work to the structures is carried out.
This work will all be carried out overnight once the M621 has been closed to traffic, between 8pm and 8am at weekends, and 8pm and 6am on weekdays.

Fully signed diversions will be in place.

We would like to thank drivers and local residents for their continued patience as we progress this major project in the region.
11 October 2023

Update on temporary changes at Elland Road and Cemetery Road junction.

Since the closure of Junction 2a at the end of June 2023, we have recently been undertaking work around Elland Road and Cemetery Road junction.

This work will allow us to increase capacity at the junction, and also create new signalised crossings between Cemetery Road and Elland Road.

What have we done so far?

Our first phase of work, which involved the temporary closure of Elland Road and permanent closure of Junction 2a, was completed on schedule ahead of the new football season starting at the beginning of August 2023. Following this, our work has been focused on the new additional lane on Elland Road south. This has included ground preparation and the installation of kerbs and surfacing.

In addition to this, we have also been continuing our work to improve traffic flow at junction 2, by widening the roundabout next to Elland Road. Work has also been taking place to increase the capacity on the slip roads. Once the scheme has been completed, Junction 2 will be able to accommodate additional traffic. In turn, this will also help with the level of congestion in this area and will improve journey times and reduce the risk of slow speed collisions.

What is happening next?

During the next stage of our improvement work, we will be focusing on the area of Cemetery Road, outside City Evangelical Church. This will include the installation of ducting, power supply, and new lowered kerbs which will support the new signalised junction and crossing in this location. We are working closely with Leeds City Council to deliver these improvements, which once complete, will increase both pedestrian and road safety around this busy junction.

From Monday 16 October 2023, we will be undertaking excavation and installation work within the footways on Cemetery Road (adjacent to City Evangelical Church). This will require some temporary diversions of the pedestrian routes. Whilst these will be kept to a minimum, the routes will be carefully signed and diversions will be kept as short as possible.

Cemetery Road Bus Stop

In preparation for the reopening of the permanent bus stop on Cemetery Road, we will be relocating the temporary stop closer towards its permanent position, further north along Cemetery Road. We would like to thank you for your patience while we deliver these improvements and apologise for any delay and disruption caused to residents during this time.
02 October 2023
M621 Planned closures: 2 - 8 October 2023

Between Monday 2 and Sunday 8 October 2023 we will be undertaking a series of overnight closures on the M621. You may also notice some lane closures in place overnight while we carry out our improvement works, particularly around Junction 2.

Lane closures create a safe area for our work force and live traffic while allowing the roads and junctions to remain open. Where it is safe to do so, we will install lane closures instead of full closures to minimise disruption.

Upcoming closures:

Monday 2 October 2023 between 8pm and 6am
- J2 eastbound entry slip road closed overnight
- J2 eastbound exit slip road closed overnight
Tuesday 3 October 2023 between 8pm and 6am
- J2 eastbound entry slip road closed overnight
- J2 eastbound exit slip road closed overnight
- J2 west quadrant closed overnight
Wednesday 4 October 2023

No overnight planned closures

Thursday 5 October 2023 between 8pm and 6am
- A643 northbound closed overnight
- J2 eastbound entry slip road closed overnight
- J2 eastbound exit slip road closed overnight
Friday 6 October 2023 between 8pm and 6am
- J2 eastbound entry slip road closed overnight
- J2 eastbound exit slip road closed overnight
Saturday 7 October 2023

No overnight planned closures

Sunday 8 October 2023

No overnight planned closures

For all of the above closures, fully signed diversion routes will be in place.

To reduce the impact of our improvement works on road users we will be carrying out any works that require closures overnight while traffic levels are lighter. So, if you don’t see us working on the road during the day, this is why.

We’d like to thank everyone for their patience while we carry out our improvement work.
07 July 2023

M621 team lend support to special places in Leeds

Our major project to improve the M621, junctions 1-7 in Leeds, delivered by National Highways and led by our principle contractor Keltbray, continues to make good progress in South Leeds.

The M621 runs through residential communities and as part of a national month of volunteering in June, Keltbray supporting National Highways, alongside other contractors working on roads projects across Yorkshire including Balfour Beatty, took part in two rewarding volunteering days to support the local community.

You can read more about this work here
20 June 2023

Exit slip road at junction 2a now permanently closed

Exit slip road at junction 2a now permanently closed

We have permanently closed the exit slip road at junction 2a to allow us to create a signalised junction and crossing between Cemetery Road and Elland Road. The entry slip at junction 2a will remain open.

This is the next stage of the major programme of work between junctions 1 and 7 of the M621. This will enable traffic to flow much more smoothly and safely, especially during peak times.

The closure of the exit slip road follows extensive consultation during which residents of the area near junction 2a at Holbeck raised concerns around the amount of commuter traffic using junction 2a and surrounding local roads as a shortcut into the city.
26 May 2023

Exit slip road closure at junction 2a set for June

Towards the end of June, we will permanently close the M621 junction 2a exit slip road, allowing the creation of the signalised junction and crossing between Cemetery Road and Elland Road. The entry slip road joining the M621 at Junction 2a will remain open.

This is the next stage of the major programme of work between junctions 1 and 7 of the M621. This will enable traffic to flow much more smoothly and safely, especially during peak times.

This phase has been planned to use the break in the football season to mitigate the impact on school and match day traffic.

Preparation works in the area will begin from 31 May, with temporary traffic lights at the junction of Elland Road and Cemetery Road.

Following the permanent closure of the Junction 2a exit slip road towards the end of June, there will be a full temporary closure of Elland Road south from Baron Close for around eight weeks while the main upgrade works for the signalised junction are carried out.:

This closure follows extensive public consultations around the M621 where people raised concerns around the amount of commuter traffic using junction 2a and surrounding local roads as a shortcut into the city.

We took the concerns on board and developed this scheme to include additional improvements to Elland Road and Cemetery Road, creating a more resident-focussed community within this area.

Junction 2a was initially not planned to close until autumn this year, after the improvements to junction 2 were complete. However, due to the programme moving ahead of schedule, and restrictions needing to take place within the break in the football season, the work has been accelerated.

Upgrades to increase capacity on the Junction 2 westbound exit slip will be complete before the closure of J2a.

Work will be carried out during the night, and weekends. National Highways is working with delivery partner Keltbray and Leeds City Council to keep disruption to a minimum. During full closures, traffic will be diverted along routes that have been agreed with the local authority.

We have also worked closely with Leeds City Council on the closures of Elland Road and Cemetery Road.

We work when traffic levels are lighter; however, due to it being quieter in the area, there may be some noise impact. We are however, looking to ensure that around residential areas we complete our most disruptive work as early as possible within the shifts.

The M621 project will go on to create free flow links connecting the A643 at junction 2, as well as extra lane capacity at both junctions 2 and 7.

Additional technology is proposed along the length of the motorway to safely manage traffic in the event of an incident and to keep drivers better informed.
21 December 2022

M621 Christmas closure suspension

M621 Christmas closure suspension

While delivering our improvements to the M621 between junctions 1 and 7, we are working closely with Leeds City Council around their transport strategy for the city. To support this, we will be suspending all closures between Tuesday 20 December 2022 and Tuesday 03 January 2023, to allow everyone to enjoy the festive season and Christmas shopping.

We would like to say a big thank you to everyone for their patience to date during the start of our improvement works and wish you all a very merry Christmas.
20 December 2022

The Big Sleep and winter donations

On the 24th November, alongside Keltbray and our suppliers , Premier-TM, Saferoad and Queenswood Engagement, the M621 project team took part in the 2022 Leeds Big Sleep to raise money for St George’s Crypt, St Gemma’s Hospice and Leeds Rhinos Foundation.

Leeds Big Sleep is an award-winning fundraising challenge event which encourages participants to spend one night under the stars at Headingley Stadium, home of Leeds Rhinos, giving up just one night of comfort to raise money to give care and many different kinds of support to people in the city. All funds raised are shared
equally between the three Leeds Charities. Funds raised for this year’s Big Sleep by National Highways, Keltbray, and suppliers Premier-TM, Saferoad and Queenswood Engagement have reached over £6,694.

Winter donation project

The M621 project team are further supporting St
Georges Crypt by running a winter donation project. The project was launched in October ahead of the cold winter months, and has encouraged members of the M621 project team, suppliers and contractors to donate their pre-loved winter coats, clothing, and blankets to help homeless people in the local area. It is a simple way of making sure that someone less fortunate benefits from our unwanted winter clothes, and has been hugely supported by the project.

We recently visited St Georges Crypt to hand over the first batch coats and clothing, and we continue to support the work of this incredible charity with further donations. The team have been running a Christmas raffle in the lead up to the Christmas break which has raised money to support buying other much needed
items such as underwear, socks and warm trousers, as well as Christmas presents.
06 December 2022

Work starts on junction 2

The work to add and widen lanes at the busy junction 2 (Elland Road) started on Monday (5 December).

There will be additional lanes at the junction 2 roundabout, as well as a dedicated lane and left turn between the M621 and A643 northbound.

Ahead of the improvement works in this area, we are installing narrower lanes around junction 2 and its approaches. This means the same number of lanes can remain open for public traffic, therefore not reducing capacity - which helps keep delays to a minimum.

This week we will start work at the north-west of the junction where the dedicated lane to the A643 will be installed.

Lane closures and roadworks

Between Monday 5 and Monday 19 December there will be some overnight closures on the M621.

On 5 December, the M621 westbound will be closed between junction 4 and junction 1 (A61 to B&Q roundabout) for survey works within this section of the carriageway. There will be a fully signed diversion route in place.

As well as working with Leeds City Council, we continue to engage with Leeds United Football Club to ensure that the scheme is considering the needs of fans travelling to and from the Elland Road stadium. The two organisations are also working in partnership to keep any disruption to a minimum during events being held at the stadium.

As work progresses on the scheme, we are also reminding pedestrians to continue to keep to safe routes and not walk on the motorway itself, nor any areas of construction on and around the road. This comes after a number of incursions - instances of vehicles or people entering the works area – were reported as the football season began in August.

See more updates

Project information

Visit our M621 junctions 1-7 interactive tool to have your say. The tool includes an interactive map. You can click on a location to make a specific comment, or give us your general feedback.

ECHO is a one-way feedback tool, so if you’d like a response to your feedback you can email the project team at: M621J1to7@highwaysengland.co.uk

We will reduce congestion by adding additional lanes for vehicles to use at the junction 2 roundabout and junction 3 westbound, as well as between junctions 2 and 3 where we’ll convert the existing hard shoulder into an additional lane for traffic.

Motorists will be safer as our scheme will enable vehicles to move more freely at existing junctions – reducing stopping traffic and the risk of shunts and slow speed collisions. Vehicles will no longer have to stop at junction 2 and will instead be able to move freely between the M621 and A643. We’ll also be changing junction 3 westbound to give priority to the main M621 traffic, allowing it to flow more freely. Improvements at this junction will also remove conflicts where the traffic merges in this area. Permanently closing junction 2a will allow junction 3 improvements to reduce the risk of collisions resulting from the short distance between junctions 3 and 2a.

During peak times traffic is very congested on the M621 between junctions 1 and 7, making people’s journeys unreliable and leading to shunts and slow-speed collisions between vehicles.

Our scheme will ease congestion at key locations along the M621, providing a better, safer, experience for motorists and more reliable journeys. This is great news for the local and regional economy as our scheme will support economic growth aspirations – helping people and businesses access Leeds city centre and the surrounding area.

M621 junctions 1 to 7 consultation - 4 September 2017 to 15 October 2017

M621 junctions 1 to 7 consultation - consultation for statutory instrument

We published the Made Orders for the M621 junctions 1 to 7 improvement scheme under the Highways Act 1980 on 31 October 2019 and submitted both the Side Roads Order and Compulsory Purchase Order to the Secretary of State for Transport for confirmation.

On Friday 10 January 2020 the Department for Transport issued a ‘notice of intention to hold Public Local Inquiries’ into the Side Roads Order and Compulsory Purchase Order published in October 2019 following an objection to the scheme proposals.

A Public Inquiry was scheduled, pre-COVID-19 pandemic, for June 2020 where an independent planning inspector would hear evidence from Highways England and interested parties.

Due to the current restrictions it was postponed and rescheduled for early November 2020. We’ve been working with the objector to the scheme and the objection has now been removed and the planned inquiry cancelled by the Department for Transport.

The initial published Made Orders and other supporting documentation, along with our Statement of Case for the then anticipated public inquiry can still be viewed within the documents area below.

If you have difficulty accessing any of the documents please contact us and we will try to supply you directly with an electronic copy.

Secretary of State decision letter

The Secretary of State for Transport on Friday 27 November 2020 issued his decision on the scheme proposals, confirming the Compulsory Purchase Order without modification and confirming the Side Roads Order with modifications.

Confirmed Orders 2020

Following the Secretary of State decision letter, we’ve prepared copies of the confirmed Orders.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions and the need for social distancing, it wasn’t possible for us to deposit a physical copy of the Orders at a document viewing location. However they can be viewed electronically below:

• Side Roads Order Confirmation Notice
• Confirmed Side Roads Order 2019 with modifications
• Compulsory Purchase Order Confirmation Notice
• Confirmed Compulsory Purchase Order 2019

The Confirmation Notice in relation to the Side Roads Order was published on Friday 11 December 2020 and the Confirmation Notice in relation to the Compulsory Purchase Order was published on Thursday 17 December 2020. These respective dates are the start of the six weeks High Court challenge periods for each Order.

Following publication of the Compulsory Purchase Order Confirmation Notice on 17 December 2020, we have now begun the acquisition process of the land required to construct the scheme. Part of the land is being acquired by General Vesting Declaration (GVD) which will transfer the ownership of land required to Highways England.

The relevant GVDs and their accompanying plans are available to view in the General Vesting Declarations section in the Documents area below.