MAJOR road improvements are being developed for a notorious bottle-neck in Bradford as part of a £1 billion investment scheme.

The plans to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow are earmarked for the junction of Harrogate Road and New Line, at Greengates which has been labelled as ‘over capacity’ at peak times.

The area is a major commuter route between Bradford, Rawdon and Harrogate, as well as being the primary access between Bradford and Leeds Bradford Airport and access to Apperley Bridge Railway Station.

A consultation into the project ends on September 23 with a public drop-in session planned.

A report into the proposals has been released by Bradford Council which states: “The Harrogate Road/New Line junction improvement scheme has received investment through the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Deal – a £1 billion package of government investment to accelerate growth and create jobs across Leeds City Region.

“This scheme was awarded funding in 2015. Alongside the funding from the Leeds City Region LEP Growth Deal, the scheme has also been funded by developer contributions.

“The improvement works being put forward are designed to reduce congestion and offer improved and safer provision for pedestrians and cyclists. A number of changes to the road layout are proposed, including the widening of both Harrogate Road and New Line on all four sections of the crossroads. In addition, new cycling lanes and pedestrian islands with signal controlled crossings will be provided.”

Plans include:

The number of traffic lanes will be increased from one to two, for the ahead and left turn vehicle movements at the junction.

Right turn lanes will be introduced on New Line to reduce the likelihood of right-turning traffic blocking other traffic movements.

A new section of road will be constructed to form a P-Loop system which will cater for a left and a right turn from Harrogate Road onto New Line.

Double yellow lines to reduce congestion and traffic signals designed to respond to changes in traffic flows.

The junction sees approximately 40,000 vehicle movements daily. The report acknowledges new housing development proposed in the vicinity and says it makes the changes ‘even more vital’.

A planning application will have to be submitted, along with the publication of Traffic Regulation Orders. All feedback received during the consultation will be considered on an ongoing basis.

A drop-in session for the public has been organised at Albion Mills Business Centre (Bizspace) in Albion Road, from 2pm to 8pm on Thursday, September 15. People can also give their views by phoning the consulting team on 0800 028 8141 or emailing info@harrogateroad newline.com