COUNCILLORS have raised "serious concerns" over news that a bridge over a busy District road will cost double the price estimates just six months ago.

At a meeting of Bradford Council's Executive yesterday, members voted to push ahead with plans for a new crossing over the A629 Aire Valley trunk road.

Members were told that the estimated cost of the project, which would provide a much needed link between Steeton and Silsden, was now £10.3 million.

Last Summer the cost was estimated at £5.5m.

Local Councillors questioned the huge rise in costs, with one saying the spiralling cost raises questions over whether the project will eve go ahead.

Proposals to create a new crossing over the A629 have been in the planning stages for years.

There are currently no safe crossing areas on the road, which makes it difficult to travel between the two areas other than by car.

The preferred plan was for a bridge for pedestrians and cyclists to be built over the road.

Last Summer West Yorkshire Combined Authority agreed to move ahead with a full business case for the project, with members told the bridge would come in at a cost of around £5.5m.

A report going before the Executive said that not only had this estimate no risen to £10.3m, but it was still not clear where the bulk of the funding would come from.

Government transport grants could be one way to fund the scheme - the report claimed.

At the meeting Councillors were told the new estimate was due to a mix of rising costs for construction projects across the country and a number of additions to the scheme, including more extensive cycle links between the bridge and Steeton and Silsden and more "green infrastructure."

Councillor Rebecca Whitaker (Cons, Craven) said: "Any safer crossing is absolutely needed."

But referring to the rising costs, she said: "How can any Craven ward residents have confidence the scheme will ever be delivered with these rising costs. Costs have doubled in the last six months. that is very concerning."

Councillor Peter Clarke (Cons, Craven) added: "It is a vitally important project for the people of Steeton and Silsden, and it is welcomed.

But there are quite concerning figures in this report. To now be at £10.3m is an exceptional jump in costs. I imagine it is a fairly conventional design for a crossing."

Councillor Rebecca Poulson (Cons, Worth Valley) said the reason for the rising cost, including increased green infrastructure, was "woolly" and added: "The cost has gone up in six months, and no procurement has gone out yet, so the cost could change again."

Officers said that since the £5.5m estimate the decision was made to boost the crossing's offer to pedestrians and cyclists.

Councillor Alex Ross Shaw, executive for Regeneration, Planning and Highways, said: "We didn't want to jut put a bridge there with nothing either side of it. It will be money well invested."

The Executive voted to move ahead with the project - including authorising any compulsory purchase orders for land.