What is the West Bradford Junctions Improvement Scheme?
Bradford Council, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, is looking to make improvements to three road junctions, in order to reduce congestion for the benefit of all road users. Collectively, the schemes focus on bringing improvements to the A6177 Outer Ring Road to the west of Bradford.
Bradford Council is responsible for delivering the scheme.
Bradford Council is working in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
The Combined Authority works with Local Authorities and businesses across West Yorkshire and York to create economic growth through large and small scale infrastructure projects such as this.
What has been done since the last engagement period regarding Great Horton Road / Horton Grange Road Junction?
Since the last period of engagement Bradford Council has successfully submitted the outline business case to the Combined Authority. This has been approved through the Combined Authority’s Assurance process, enabling progression to full business case which is now being developed.
What has changed on the Great Horton Road / Horton Grange Road scheme since the Phase 1 engagement?
The design proposals have become more developed since the first phase of engagement. The main changes which have been made are:
1. A left turn slip road has been included at the Great Horton Road/Horton Park Avenue to improve the capacity at the junction and maintain business access
2. The proposed new pedestrian crossing on Great Horton Road has been moved away from the junction to provide improved access to the local shops and bus stops from areas of housing
3. The proposed alignment of the new link road junction with Horton Park Avenue has been improved for the benefit of users
4. Requirement for additional retaining wall for the new link road
Please consult our scheme drawing for further context.
A Phase 1 engagement report has been completed and can be accessed via www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/westbradford. The engagement demonstrated that a very high proportion of respondents identify a congestion problem in the locations of proposed improvements. Respondents considered the three most important elements to be reducing traffic congestion, improving journey time and reliability and improving air quality.
What is happening with proposals for Thornton Road/Cemetery Road and Toller Lane/Whetley Hill?
Similar to Great Horton Road/Horton Grange Road, the outline business case has been approved and work is ongoing on the full business case. We plan to undertake further engagement on these schemes in the winter.
How did you select these three junctions to make the improvements?
There are a number of congested junctions along the A6177 Outer Ring Road, which Bradford would like to improve. These locations were chosen as they fulfilled the Combined Authority criteria of being able to be improved in the short to medium term and at a proportional cost. There may be further opportunity to improve additional junctions in the future.
What are the timescales for delivering the scheme?
Subject to approval, the scheme could start as early as 2020.
Due to the size and complexity of the proposed works the improvements will be introduced in phases, with some building work starting as early as 2020. It is expected that all roadworks will be completed by early 2022.
Who are the funders and what is the cost of the total scheme?
Funding for the scheme is through the West Yorkshire plus Transport Fund which aims to increase employment and economic growth in the Leeds City Region.
The Leeds City Region comprises of 10 Local Authorities of which Bradford is one.
This fund will also be used to introduce a number of other transport improvements in Bradford District over the next few years (such as the Bradford to Shipley Route Improvement Scheme).
The total cost of the schemes is estimated in the region of:
• Thornton Road/Cemetery Road junction and Toller Lane/Whetley Hill Junction - £10 million*
What are the aims of the West Bradford Junctions Improvement Scheme Programme?
These schemes form part of a programme of low and medium cost highway interventions on strategic highway corridors on the Key Route Network (KRN).
The West Bradford Junctions Improvement Scheme aims to deliver benefits for all road users with an emphasis on reducing journey times, in order to improve connectivity and accessibility to economic growth sites, including those located in spatial priority areas. In order to achieve this, the programme aims to deliver an 8% reduction in journey times for all traffic, with a higher target of 12% reduction in journey times for buses.
Has any transport modelling been done at these junctions?
Transport modelling has been undertaken to understand the impact these improvements will have on the local road network to the west of Bradford. The transport model has been informed by traffic surveys and site visits.
Each of the three schemes is designed to increase traffic capacity in the locality. This is primarily achieved through the provision of additional lanes, either within the existing highway boundary or with land take. All road users, including bus users, will benefit reduced journey times. Improvements for pedestrians and cyclists are also provided.
What will Bradford Council do to address the air quality along these routes?
The schemes will improve the flow of traffic and reduce idling at junctions. This in turn should contribute to improved air quality. Active (walking and cycling) transport and public transport use is also encouraged.
How will the scheme affect local residents and businesses?
Our proposed schemes look to improve the locality for both residents and business users. This will be achieved through improving journeys for all road users, and providing for pedestrians and cyclists. We will also look to improve air quality and improve road safety.
Improvements will support the development of housing and the creation of job opportunities.
We have programmed the improvements in a phased approach to minimise the construction impact locally.
How will local residents and businesses be kept informed on the progress of the scheme?
There will be various ways in which local residents and businesses can have their say. Updates will be provided to those who have registered to follow the project via www.yourvoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk/westbradford2 and via press articles.
