UK-based infrastructure company Balfour Beatty has secured a £5m contract from the Leeds City Council to deliver phases one and two of the East Leeds Orbital Route.

Balfour Beatty will carry out improvement works at existing junctions on Outer Ring Road and will also widen three junctions along the A6120 Ring Road.

The company will also provide the design of the £87m 7km East Leeds Orbital Route.

Balfour Beatty North and Midlands regional business managing director Thomas Edgcumbe said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the initial contract to commence improvement works to the East Leeds Orbital Route.”

“Initial work on the highway will be carried out under the East Leeds Extension (ELE) programme.”

“We are looking forward to working in partnership with Leeds City Council and making a significant and sustainable contribution to the local economy and community.

“We have a wealth of experience in the design and delivery of highways schemes and this award is a testament to the success of our work across the UK.”

The East Leeds Orbital Route is being financed by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s ‘West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund’.

Part of the Leeds City Region Growth Deal, the fund comprises a £1bn package of government investment through the combined authority and Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Initial work on the highway will be carried out under the East Leeds Extension (ELE) programme.

Balfour Beatty plans to begin construction work by next month and plans to complete the project by next year.

Balfour Beatty finances, develops, builds and maintains complex infrastructure such as transportation, power and utility systems, social and commercial buildings.