STRETCHES of Bradford Beck would be uncovered and landscaped under new plans to improve traffic between Shipley and Bradford.

New images released by Bradford Council show what areas along Manningham Lane and Valley Road would look like once the £47 million road improvements are complete.

They include cycle routes along Manningham Lane and an area where the Beck would be uncovered.

The project, which is being funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, will be discussed by Bradford Council’s decision making Executive on January 7.

A report going to the committee reveals more details of the scheme, which is expected to be completed by 2025.

Estimates show journey times under the changes would drop by eight per cent for cars, vans and lorries, and 12 per cent for buses.

The Council says the work will lead to a 25 per cent increase in bus use, 75 per cent rise in train use and a 300 per cent increase in cycling.

More details of £48m road scheme between Shipley and Bradford revealed

Parts of Bradford Beck will be accessible for the first time, and the report says; “The naturalisation of the Bradford beck and associated biodiversity enhancements will have a significant benefit for biodiversity and other natural services. It will provide habitat and wildlife corridors for birds, butterflies, bees and other invertebrates, small mammals and amphibians. Wetlands, wildflower grasslands and woodlands will be created and features such as mammal passes, otter holts, bird and bat boxes will add to the possibilities for wildlife.

“Trees and other plants sequester carbon from the atmosphere and ameliorate the impacts of climatic change. They also provide clean air benefits and landscape improvements.

Referring to the Manningham Lane works, the report says: “Attractive leafy landscaped pockets have been designed along the road with new park benches, bins and bike stands. More trees will be planted to make the area more attractive.”

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “These proposals are not just about improving journey times along Canal Road – they will deliver wider regeneration to the area. Improvements on Canal Road will help us deliver new houses as part of New Bolton Woods, renaturalising the Beck will create a fantastic amenity for people living in the Windhill and Frizinghall areas and the proposals for a cycleway, improved pedestrian crossings and additional greenery along Manningham Lane will be great for communities in Manningham and Heaton.”