What the Bradford city centre roadworks mean for drivers

Bradford is set to undergo a £43.5 million transformation from July 10 - featuring pedestrianised areas, a new Bradford Interchange entrance, and public transport corridor. 

The scale of the regeneration works are expected to cause significant delays and disruption for journeys to and from the city centre.

The Council and its construction partner, Balfour Beatty, are introducing traffic measures to keep drivers moving.

Drivers have been urged to plan ahead, travel outside peak times where possible, take the bus or car share, and avoid blocking yellow box junctions.

Access to drivers will remain largely unchanged apart from the removal of access to Hall Ings. 

Time scales for the roadworks

The works are expected to last until the early spring in 2025 - meaning the roadworks will be carried out in phases.

Between July 2023 and January 2024, Bradford Council’s city centre scheme will be in the preparation stage. Works will focus on changes to junctions to accommodate new routes for buses. 

From February 2024, new bus routes will come into place - meaning buses will no longer travel through the city centre and instead travel along dedicated bus routes around the heart of Bradford. 

Construction work will start in the city centre. 

By December 2024, Bradford Council hopes to complete the majority of the construction works.

Between January 2025 and March 2025, the final elements - including street furniture - will be completed.

• Read more: Photos show how different Bradford city centre will look by 2025

Bradford city centre roadworks

Here’s a round up of the key roadworks in Bradford city centre from July 10, 2023, to March 2025.

• John Street, Upper Piccadilly, Manor Row, and Cheapside will remain open to general traffic however there may be temporary lane closures, temporary traffic lights and temporary changes to footpaths.

Graphic by Bradford Council (Image: Bradford Council)

• From February 2024, Hall Ings, Bank Street, Market Street, Broadway and some of Bridge Street will not be accessible by car with exceptions for deliveries only.
• Godwin Street will be reduced from three lanes to two and the right turn from Godwin Street to Sunbridge Road will be banned. Sunbridge Road between its junction with Barry Street and Godwin Street will become a one-way road heading westbound.
• The one-way system on Kirkgate will be reversed so it runs south west and parking on the south eastern side will be removed for a new bus hub.

Graphic by Bradford Council (Image: Bradford Council)

• The southern section of Sunbridge Road will become quieter with no through traffic permitted.
• Sunbridge Road will be closed to traffic at its junction with Tyrell Street and Aldermanbury and a turning circle added as Sunbridge Road will be closed to traffic from this point. The signal controlled crossing across Aldermanbury will remain.
• Shorter duration lane closures will be in place on Godwin Street (to allow work to take place on the central reservation), as well as on some sectons of Sunbridge Road and Westgate. There may need to be off-peak restrictions when turning from right Godwin Street onto Little Horton Lane to allow work to take place.
• There may be some changes to pedestrian access along Godwin Street during these works so work can take place on the pavement.
• Little Horton Lane will be stopped up from its junction with Godwin Street.
• There will be work on the traffic island at the junction of Godwin Street/Thornton Road.
• Work to alter traffic signals so that the Kirkgate and Westgate one way system can be flipped in direction.
• Work to the centre of the road on Sunbridge Road to construct new traffic islands.
• Additional paving on Sunbridge Road.

Graphic by Bradford Council (Image: Bradford Council)

• In the Cheapside area, the roundabout will be removed and a signal-controlled crossing will be put in at the junction of Cheapside/Kirkgate/Market Street/Lower Kirkgate.
• Market Street is being pedestrianised and will close to traffic from February 2024.
• Shorter duration lane closures will be in place on Cheapside, Kirkgate, Market Street and Lower Kirkgate, as well as Canal Road, Church Bank and Bolton Road. There will be temporary traffic lights to help the flow of traffic.
• The eastbound bus services on Lower Kirkgate will be diverted via Canal Road, Balme Street and Bolton Road.
• The pedestrian crossing at the junction of Cheapside and Kirkgate will be temporarily removed – temporary traffic signals will be put in place for pedestrians to cross over this junction.

• The turning head on Currer Street, at its junction with Well Street, will be closed to traffic from Monday, July 10, 2023.
• Shorter duration lane closures will be in place on Vicar Lane to allow work to take place to the carriage way and kerbs. 
• Whilst work takes place, Hall Ings will be subject to shorter duration lane closures, however it will be permanently closed to through traffic in February 2024.
• Work will need to take place along the pavement and highway outside of properties on Well Street. Bradford Council will contact properties affected by the works directly.
• West Street, at its junction with Vicar Lane, will be closed to traffic as part of these works.
• Drivers will be able to access the Broadway car park during and after the works.

• Drake Street, Bridge Street, and Vicar Lane will be affected. There may be temporary lane closures, temporary traffic lights and temporary changes to footpaths to allow workers to make changes. You will still be able to access all roads by car, van, and motorcycle etc.

Graphic by Bradford Council (Image: Bradford Council)

• Short duration lane closures will be in place on Manchester Road, Senior Way and Croft Street to allow work to take place to the widen carriageway, improve pedestrian facilities and implement new cycleway. Bradford Council plans to time the closures at off-peak times or overnight where possible. There will be temporary traffic lights in place. At times, there will temporary diversion routes for pedestrians.
• Jacobs Well roundabout will be removed. During resurfacing works, Prince’s Way will need to be closed to traffic overnight.
• Little Horton Lane will be stopped up from its junction with Prince’s Way.
• There will be works to the pavements on either side of Prince’s Way in order to install new crossings, planting and landscaping.

How to get updates

The Council and Balfour Beatty are urging people to bear with the works and plan journeys in advance. 

You can find out exactly how your journeys will be affected through information and updates on the website, www.future-bradford.co.uk

The team will also be sending regular newsletters via email.