West Yorks Road Improvement Scheme Advances as Plans Refined

A major £23 million scheme to upgrade Wakefield Road in Bradford has progressed to the next stage, although some original elements have been removed following further assessment.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) has approved an additional £1.28 million to develop a full business case for the project, with construction currently targeted to begin in February 2027 and complete by March 2028.

The scheme is designed to enhance a key corridor into Bradford city centre, improving safety, supporting sustainable travel and reducing journey times for bus users. WYCA estimates the upgrades could increase bus patronage along the route by 25%.

However, updated plans show that some features have been scaled back. Proposals to signalise the Bowling Back Lane roundabout have been dropped after modelling indicated this would negatively impact traffic flow. In addition, the extent of new bus lanes has been reduced compared to earlier designs.

Despite these changes, the scheme still includes a wide range of improvements:

• New inbound and outbound bus lanes between Hall Lane and Lorne Street

• Segregated two-way cycle infrastructure along key sections

• Installation of multiple new pedestrian crossings, including toucan, pelican and zebra crossings

• Upgrades to 12 bus stops

• Infill of four existing subways, replaced by surface-level crossings

• Public realm enhancements, including over 2,000 square metres of landscaping and the planting of 25 trees

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The project aims to create a high-quality transport corridor linking residential areas in south-east Bradford with employment and education hubs. It also includes measures to improve accessibility, such as continuous footways across side roads and safer crossing points.

The total cost has increased from £20 million in 2024 to £23 million, with funding to be provided through central government’s Transport for City Regions programme.

WYCA has set a number of long-term targets for the scheme, including reducing bus journey times by up to two minutes, increasing cycling levels by 50%, cutting car trips, and halving the number of people killed or seriously injured on the route by 2030.

The next phase will focus on refining the design and securing final approvals before construction can begin.