A GREENWAY popular with Bradford walkers and cyclists could soon get a major upgrade.

The Spen Valley Greenway starts near Low Moor station in Bradford, and runs to Ravensthorpe.

The former rail line is completely segregated from motor traffic, and is used by around 174,000 cyclists and walkers a year.

Now plans to improve the route – including widening the greenway to make it easier for cyclists and pedestrians to share the same route - have been submitted.

The path, parts of which have been damaged by tree roots, will also be fully resurfaced.

Sustrans, which operates the Greenway, has been awarded funding from the Department for Transport to improve the surface of the path from Oakenshaw to Cleckheaton and widen the greenway from 2.5 metres to 3 metres.

The works are expected to cost £958,000.

Planning applications have been submitted to Bradford Council and Kirklees Council for the works, with a decision expected shortly.

The application to Bradford Council says: “The proposals have been developed to provide improved pedestrian and cycle connectivity, safety and accessibility.

“The Spen Valley Greenway will become a safer and more attractive option for local people to walk, wheel or cycle between Oakenshaw and Cleckheaton, including disabled users with wheelchairs, pushchairs and mobility scooters.”