FAQs
A new bridge allowing for the continuation of a segregated cycleway and footway over the A629 landing on Station Road
A shared use pedestrian and cycle area either side of a toucan crossing over Station Road connecting to a ramp down to the eastbound platform of Steeton and Silsden railway station
A segregated two-way cycleway and footway alongside the Keighley Road northbound carriage on its approach to the A629 Roundabout. This is connected to a toucan crossing on Keighley Road via a shared use pedestrian and cycle area.
The removal of the existing crossings on the southern (from Steeton), eastern (from Keighley) and western (from Skipton) approaches to the A629 roundabout to encourage the use of the new safer route.
The removal of the existing footpaths alongside Station Road and Keighley Road on their approach to the A629 roundabout
To provide a safe crossing across the A629 that will help remove barriers to cycling and walking between Steeton and Silsden
To provide better access to facilities and services, such as Steeton and Silsden Railway Station and Airedale General Hospital, with a cycling and walking link that is mainly segregated from general traffic.
To make travel on foot and by bike a natural and popular choice
To eliminate accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians at the junction of the A629, Keighley Road and Station Road
To reduce harmful emissions and noise pollution
local narrowing and temporary signalling on Keighley Road and Station Road during works to widen the footway, to construct the bridge tie-in, and to install new pedestrian and cycling crossings
reduction to single lane on the A629 approach to the existing roundabout
short-term closure of the A629 during installation of the bridge deck.
temporary closure of footways and diversion of pedestrians during works.
attending one of the drop-in sessions
attending a webinar
and filling out either a digital feedback form on the YourVoice website or completing a paper feedback form
Who is responsible for delivering the scheme?
Bradford Council is responsible for delivering the scheme, working in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Who is the West Yorkshire Combined Authority?
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority brings together the local authorities of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield.
The Combined Authority works with local councils and businesses to ensure that everyone in our region benefits from a strong, successful economy and a modern, accessible transport network.
What area does this scheme cover?
The scheme is located at the A629 / Keighley Road / Station Road roundabout situated between both Steeton and Silsden. The new bridge will be able to be accessed from both Keighley Road and Station Road.
What has been done so far?
The first phase of consultation was held between November 2020 and December 2020 with the majority of respondents in support of the scheme objectives and principles. This consultation helped shape the current proposals and identified a bridge crossing as the favoured option.
Further details of this consultation including the consultation outcome report can be found on the Your Voice page here.
A scheme incorporating a bridge for walking, wheeling and cycling was promoted as the preferred scheme and an outline business case was submitted to the Combined Authority for approval. To ensure that the design provided high quality walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure the design was reviewed and modified in line with updated government guidance on cycle infrastructure (LTN1/20).
In addition to the design review, the project team took the opportunity to undertake further surveys and investigations. This included a ground investigation to confirm the underlying ground conditions and to refine the foundation design based on this additional site information.
A revised Outline Business Case was prepared to reflect the changes to the scheme, and this was approved by West Yorkshire Combined Authority in October 2024.
Why has the scheme been split into two phases?
One of the key objectives of this project is to improve safety and address severance created by the A629. The first phase will allow those walking, wheeling or cycling over the A629 to do so without having to cross the path of road vehicles, creating a new and safe crossing point.
At present, funding is not yet available to deliver both phases. We can deliver the first phase of the scheme and realise the benefits of a new bridge earlier.
What will the scheme deliver?
The first phase of the scheme will incorporate a new bridge across the A629 and over 280m of segregated walking, wheeling and cycling routes and over 130m of shared walking, wheeling and cycle routes to improve the safety of those wishing to cross the A629. The different components of the first phase include the following:
A toucan crossing is designed so people walking, wheeling and cycling can all use the crossing at the same time.
There is also a potential opportunity to improve access for those walking, wheeling and cycling to the centres of both Steeton and Silsden as part of the second phase, subject to approvals and future funding availability when further funding is available in 2027. The second phase aims to enhance the pedestrian and cycle provision within both Steeton and Silsden beyond the A629 roundabout.
What is LTN/120?
This local transport note was released in July 2020 and provides guidance to local authorities on delivering high quality cycle infrastructure. Of particular relevance to this scheme was both updated guidance on when cyclists should be segregated from general traffic and minimum widths for cycle infrastructure.
I have seen the term Wheeling used – what does it mean?
Wheeling is an equivalent alternative to foot/pedestrian-based mobility. It includes wheeled mobilities such as manual self- or assistance-proposed wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs, mobility scooters and rollators.
Will the scheme be accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the scheme aims to improve accessibility for everyone, including those using mobility aids, pushchairs, and wheelchairs. At each stage of the planning and design process we have consulted with disability groups, and we will continue to incorporate their feedback as detail design work continues.
Who are the funders and what is the cost of the scheme?
Subject to a successful business case, the £12.9m cost of the scheme will be funded from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), a Cycle City Ambition Grant, and contributions from developments agreed through the planning system. The FAQ below provides more information on CRSTS.
What is the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement?
The £5.7 billion City Region Sustainable Travel Settlement (CRSTS), represents an unprecedented government investment into local transport networks. £830 million has been allocated to West Yorkshire for funding over 40 projects to be delivered between 2022 and 2027. Bradford is developing various transport projects of a value over £100m aimed at enhancing the city's infrastructure and supporting sustainable transport initiatives, which if successful would also be funded from CRSTS.
The CRSTS funding is separate from council revenue funding for council services. It is also ringfenced by central government for use to deliver sustainable transport improvements and cannot be spent on council services.
Why have scheme costs increased since the previous consultation?
To ensure that the design provided high quality walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure in line with LTN1/20 the extent of fully segregated cycle and footway provision has been increased. This has resulted in an increase in both materials and land requirements. Furthermore, geotechnical investigations were undertaken in 2023 which found the local area to have a significantly thick layer of glacial till clay underlying the site. This necessitated the use of piled deck rather than the cheaper alternative of using a traditional embankment. Finally, since 2020, above market inflation conditions has increased the cost of construction across the UK.
What are the timescales for delivering this scheme?
The project team are seeking to appoint a construction contractor to work with the design team to prepare the final full business case application for the West Yorkshire Combined Authority with approval expected in early 2026. Construction for phase one is planned to begin in summer 2026 with the scheme opening expected to follow in spring 2027. If further funding and approvals are secured, phase two is planned to be delivered in spring 2029.
What are the current issues?
The existing pedestrian and cycling infrastructure is poor with limited footways, low quality crossing facilities and street clutter. We also know from our previous consultation that people experience lots of problems travelling the area. Specifically, that people avoid walking, wheeling and/or cycling because it is dangerous to travel between Steeton and Silsden. This is made worse during morning and evening peak times when roads become busier and when it is dark as visibility is reduced. Those who travel with children or are mobility impaired find travelling between Steeton and Silsden especially difficult.
What are the opportunities?
We know from the previous consultation that respondents were willing to walk, wheel or cycle more frequently if a new bridge was provided. Therefore, if we can deliver the right conditions for walking, wheeling and cycling we can make it easier to access local jobs, shops, the canal towpath and the railway station for those wishing to walk, wheel or cycle more, resulting in less people needing to drive their car locally.
What are the objectives of the scheme?
Why has a bridge been chosen instead of an at-grade crossing or an underpass?
The bridge was the most popular option at the previous consultation – favoured by more than two-thirds of all respondents. A bridge has distinct advantages over the alternative options including minimising disruption to traffic and improved resilience to flooding.
Why is the bridge proposed west of the A629 roundabout?
The project team undertook a review of all options for a crossing across the A629. This review included consideration of several design and resource requirements and limitations related to the site location.
A bridge alignment west of the A629 performs the best against the scheme’s objectives and provides the best connection with the second phase of the scheme, for which the new cycle/ pedestrian route towards Silsden is located on the western side. Physical constraints, including the existing beck on the eastern side of Keighley Road restricts the ability to build east of the A629 roundabout.
How will the bridge be constructed?
The exact methodology of how the bridge will be constructed is subject to development during the next phase of the design process. However, we expected that the bridge will be constructed in modules, either on-site or off-site. If the bridge is fabricated offsite, it will be moved from a temporary assembly to a local staging area adjacent to the site prior to final installation by crane.
Will there be any disruption during construction?
Some disruption is expected during construction, but efforts will be made to minimise inconvenience. Because of the location of the scheme there will be a need for temporary traffic management during construction. This will likely include:
What materials will be used to construct the bridge?
The elevated approach ramps will be painted steel viaduct structures comprising a central beam beneath a deck, supported by painted steel columns. The bridge itself will be constructed using weathering steel – a robust material with low upkeep reducing the need to undertake any closures on the A629 for bridge maintenance. The railings on both the bridge and approach ramps will be stainless steel with a stainless steel woven mesh infill which helps to provide views across the landscape while keeping bridge users secure.
The deck finish throughout will be a slip-resistant aggregate finish applied to the steel deck plate. Different colour aggregates are proposed for the pedestrian and cycle zones, with the cycle lanes further demarcated by painted lines. Integrated LED lighting will illuminate the bridge deck, positioned to avoid causing any glare to the drivers on the carriageway below the bridge.
Can you explain the reasons behind the length of the bridge approach ramps?
The design of the approach ramps has been informed by both design standards and local site constraints. The approach ramps need to be a shallow slope and provide the necessary clearance over the A629. A shallow slope meets the needs of all potential users, including those with impaired mobility. The longer ramps are also necessary to navigate the changes in ground level on the northern side of the A629, where the ramp approaches Keighley Road, as well as to cross the highway embankment and farm access track.
How will the scheme improve access to Steeton and Silsden station?
A new ramp with a 3m wide two-way cycle path and a 2.5m footway is proposed from Station Road to the access path for the Steeton and Silsden eastbound platform. The existing steps from Station Road will be retained. The second phase would enhance access for walking, wheeling, and cycling to the westbound platform.
Will there be any planting as part of the scheme and will there be any tree loss?
The design process has aimed to minimise the impact on trees wherever possible however the construction of the bridge will require the removal of some trees and vegetation on the highway verge.
A tree survey will be undertaken early 2025 in advance of the planning application to understand the impact on existing trees and shrubs. The extent to which the removed trees will be replaced will be determined by the final design of the scheme’s ecological improvements to ensure there is a net gain in local biodiversity once the bridge has been constructed.
When will I have the chance to comment on the proposals?
The engagement will go live from Tuesday 21 January 2025 and close at 11.59pm on Sunday 16 February 2025.
Where can I find more information on the scheme?
We have arranged two drop-in events locally and have worked with local partners and stakeholders to help raise awareness. We will also be hosting an online webinar on the 11 February 2025 between 6pm and 7pm which people will be able to join via the weblink below:
We will be hosting drop in events as follows:
Silsden
Location: The Hive Community Centre
53-55 Elliot Street, BD20 0DE
Date: 1 February 2025
Time: 10am-2pm
Steeton
Location: Steeton Hub
Stone Grove, BD20 6FE
Date: 5 February 2025
Time: 10am-2pm
How am I able to provide feedback on the scheme?
You can provide feedback on the scheme by:
You can also contact us by:
Writing to us at FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM WYCA
Email at yourvoice@westworks-ca.gov.uk(External link)
or phone MetroLine on 0113 245 7676.
Please contact us if you want any of these materials in an accessible format.
How will my feedback be used?
All feedback will be reviewed and considered in the decision-making process to refine and improve the plans for the scheme. The outcomes of the engagement will be available on the YourVoice website.