More than £9m secured to upgrade district’s transport infrastructure

Bradford Council has secured millions of pounds of funding to make major upgrades to walking and cycling infrastructure in Steeton and Silsden in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

More than £9m has been awarded to develop links between Steeton and Silsden, including a much-needed cycling and walking bridge spanning the A629.

This will enable people to securely cross the busy dual carriageway making walking and cycling a safe and attractive alternative to driving between the communities and major employers at Airedale Hospital and Millennium Business Park in Steeton.

The infrastructure will also improve links to Steeton and Silsden Railway Station and the National Cycle Network Route 69 along the Leeds Liverpool Canal towpath.

Most of the funding comes from the recently announced City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) grant and contributes to existing districtwide policies designed to improve health outcomes and air quality, economic development, the wider environment and the climate.

Subject to further approvals during the scheme’s development, work is expected to be completed by summer 2026.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, said: “We know this is something local residents have been very keen on for some time and I’m pleased we’re going to be able to deliver the footbridge now funding has been secured.

“This will build on existing projects designed to upgrade the district’s transport network and tackle the climate crisis.

“Switching to more sustainable travel will improve air quality and people’s fitness levels. On a local level, it will make crossing the A650 much safer and greatly improve the quality of the local environment.”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “We are committed to making it easier for people to travel around the region, on foot, by bike and public transport, connecting people with job and training opportunities though accessible, attractive and cleaner transport.

“The proposed Steeton and Silsden scheme is part of an overall £830m investment that will help us deliver a transformational programme of new infrastructure, let us take forward our plans for a new mass transit system and is a further step towards building a transport network that the people of West Yorkshire deserve.

“Delivering these schemes in partnership with our local authorities will allow us to move closer to our goal of an accessible and inclusive transport system, fit for the 21st century.”