COUNCIL bosses have been told how a major new roadworks scheme will include better facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.

Bradford Council’s decision making Executive have approved a number of measures that will eventually lead to a £14 million scheme to improve traffic flow at three of the city’s most congested junctions.

The decision, made at a meeting yesterday, will give officers permission to acquire properties and land near the junctions through compulsory purchase orders.

The plans will see major changes made to the road network at Great Horton Road/Horton Grange Road, Toller Lane/Whetley Hill and Thornton Road/Cemetery Road.

And works will improve extra lanes, widened roads and even a new road.

Council to force sale of land and buildings to improve three Bradford junctions

A report to the executive revealed a number of properties that might need to be purchased for the works to go ahead, including business units, empty homes, a car park, grass verges and even the front driveways of a number of houses.

Richard Gelder, Highways Services manager, spoke to members about the plans for the junctions. He said people living near the junction had been consulted on the plans, and this consultation could alter the plans.

Council Leader Susan Hinchcliffe said: “Anyone familiar with these junctions know how how congested these are.”

Councillor Alex Ross Shaw, executive for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said; “There are improvements that have been talked about for many years. When you talk to people about these junctions they say they have needed work for some time. It is great we have a scheme to improve that.”

He asked Mr Gelder what else the scheme works will entail.

He replied: “We are looking to provide dedicated cycle facilities, advanced space for cyclists at traffic lights and dedicated lanes for cyclists.

“We’re also planning on introducing pedestrian crossings on the junction with green man facilities.”

Cllr Ross Shaw also asked whether the works would improve air quality in the area. Mr Gelder said: “It will improve traffic flow at these junctions, so you won’t have cars sat idling at the junction. When they are doing this they are still producing emissions, so emissions will build up in these areas. If these cars are able to pass through quicker it means the area quality in that area should improve.

“If there are fewer delays it will improve journey times and make public transport more reliable.”

Members were told that after the work was done there would be a full study to make sure it had achieved the promised benefits. Cllr Ross Shaw pointed out a scheme in Keighley to add a new left turn lane to North Street had improved journey times by 20 per cent.