A MAJOR scheme to upgrade a popular walking and cycle route is expected to begin early in 2024.

The £958,000 project to upgrade the Spen Valley Greenway will see the route widened to make it easier for cyclists and pedestrians to share the same track.

A planning application for the work to the Bradford stretch of the greenway has now been approved by Bradford Council.

Sustrans, which operates the greenway, says the work is likely to start in February or March.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: A stretch of the greenway near Low Moor A stretch of the greenway near Low Moor (Image: Bev Clough: T&A Camera Club)

The 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.

The Department for Transport awarded the funding to improve the surface of the path from Oakenshaw to Cleckheaton and widen the greenway from 2.5 metres to 3 metres.

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

Approving the scheme, planning officers said: “The greenway cycle way is an important feature that improves access to the area and promotes cycling/walking and general recreational use.

“The resurfacing will make it more useable and more suitable for users and will not cause any detriment to the landscape character of the area or amenity of any residents.”