A MULTI-million pound road scheme that was already likely to be “paused” is now unlikely to ever be developed in its current form.

The Bradford to Shipley Corridor scheme would have seen much of the Valley Road/Canal Road corridor widened in a bid to reduce congestion.

Manningham Lane would have become an “active travel corridor” – with bus and cycle lanes as well as improved pedestrian facilities.

The aim was to direct car and HGV traffic to Canal Road, leaving Manningham Lane for bus commuters, cyclists and pedestrians.

But Bradford Council has now announced that the scheme will be revised “to better meet Bradford’s clean growth ambitions". 

The authority says the changes will also “keep pace with the latest thinking around sustainability and climate change” and will now focus more on improved public transport and active travel.

The announcement follows news that the £48m scheme was one of dozens being paused by West Yorkshire Combined Authority due to spiralling costs for infrastructure projects.

A spokesman from Bradford Council said: “A combination of policies updated since the project was started and high inflation has now prompted West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Bradford Council to rethink the project.

“Revised proposals will look to strengthen bus and active travel provision even further.”

A public consultation for the updated options for the route is scheduled for autumn 2023.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “We always planned on including active travel measures but we can use this opportunity as we consider budget pressures to make sure the latest policies on cycling, air quality and support for public transport are reflected in the proposals.

“This Bradford Shipley Route Improvement Scheme remains an important priority and we will continue to work with our partners to make the scheme support our Clean Growth ambitions and be the best it can possibly be.”

The Bradford and Shipley Travel Alliance (BSTA) has campaigned against the plans for a number of years, arguing that widening the road will increase traffic and pollution – not reduce it.

Councillor Anna Watson (Green, Shipley) who is chair of BSTA, said: “With hundreds of supporters we have been arguing that congestion must be relieved by encouraging fewer cars and promoting public transport and cycling and walking.”

Ludi Simpson, secretary of the BSTA, added: “This was a scheme from history’s dustbin when urban traffic was king.

"The wide community consultation we carried out approved alternatives like cheap and frequent public transport, weight restrictions on heavy lorries not stopping in the district, and encouragement of bikes and walking for shorter trips."