Works causing traffic queues on Rooley Avenue, Bradford

Blue barriers have been put up on Rooley Avenue as a programme of electrical work gets underway. 

The work, by Northern Powergrid, began on February 10 and is expected to last until the end of March. 

Routes around Odsal, including Rooley Avenue and Halifax Road, will be affected. 

The impact of that work on traffic in the area can be seen today, with lane closures on Rooley Avenue causing queues right back to Odsal Top from the Staygate roundabout.

Traffic queueing on Rooley Avenue from Odsal today. (Image: Newsquest)

Last week, a Northern Powergrid spokesperson said letters were being sent to people in the area to keep them informed.

They added: "Northern Powergrid, the company responsible for the network that powers everyday life for eight million customers in the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, is carrying out an investment programme to reinforce the reliability and resilience of the local power network. 

"This latest programme focuses on installing new underground electricity cables between our substation on Staithgate Lane and our substation near Odsal Stadium. The work will be carried out on our behalf, by our contractor, Excalon."

Where and when the work will be carried out

"From Saturday, February 10, until the end of March 2024, we’ll be digging in the road or footpath to lay the new electricity cables along a route including sections of Staithgate Lane, Staygate Interchange, Rooley Avenue, Odsal Interchange, and Halifax Road," said the spokesperson. 

"Most of the work will be carried out using a combination of temporary traffic lights and lane closures, although we will need to close a section of Staithgate Lane for a few days at the beginning of the programme. 

Approximate dates for the work (dates may change)

• Rooley Avenue – one lane closed on both sides of the road between Staygate Interchange and Odsal Interchange from Saturday, February 10, until Thursday,  March 7. 
• Odsal Interchange – lane closures over the weekends of Saturday/Sunday 17/18 and 24/25 February 17/18 and 24/25 and March 2/3 and 9/10 (eight days over four weekends)
• Halifax Road – there will be a lane closure on Friday, March 8 and Monday, March 11.
• Staithgate Lane – Fully closed between Dean Beck Avenue and Staygate Interchange from Monday, March 18 until Friday, March 22, with a signposted diversion in place. There will be a signposted diversion along Rooley Lane, Bierley Lane, and the M606. 
• Staygate Interchange – lane closures on Saturday March 23 and 24.
• Small-scale completion works along the route until the end of April.

Northern Powergrid to ensure disruption is minimised

A spokesperson said: "Although our work is essential, we know it can be disruptive and we’ll be doing all we can to minimise this by working closely with Bradford Metropolitan District Council, local businesses and residents. 

"We’re not planning to turn off anyone’s power and it’s unlikely we’ll need access to premises."