Green light for £35m bypass upgrade between Leeds and Bradford
The Department for Transport has given the green light to £35.7m in funding for improvements to the Dawsons Corner junction and complete joint replacement work on the Stanningley Bypass.
The latest funding forms part of a total £42.7m package with contributions from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds City Council.
Changes to the junction will reduce congestion and delays helping to support economic growth across Leeds and Bradford. Improvements are also planned to see better traffic flow, with bus journey times also reduced and safer crossing facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.
The scheme will provide pedestrian and cycling facilities at the Dawsons Corner junction linking in with the Leeds Bradford Cycle Superhighway, dedicated bus lanes on the A647 Bradford Road and will widen the A647 Stanningley Bypass to accommodate additional traffic lanes.
The reduction in congestion will also lead to a better environment in terms of improved air quality.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “I am delighted with the news that the Department for Transport £35.709m funding has been granted.
“The need to improve Dawsons Corner junction has been a major priority for some time. It’s important not only to improve traffic flow and air quality, but also support essential links to future housing growth and developments and for people to be able to access jobs more easily with consistent travel times.
“Alongside the recent junction improvements to Fink Hill, Dyneley Arms, the Armley Gyratory and A6120 routes, together with the M621 National Highways works that remain vital for keeping our city moving and directing traffic away from the city centre.”
The Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said: “Road users in Leeds and Bradford have experienced slow speeds on the A647 for too long, discouraging people from using local buses on the road.
“We’re giving this vital scheme the green light, and providing £35m, which will improve local journeys in Yorkshire and boost the economy beyond.”
