Highways chiefs have announced a public consultation on a £1.4 million project to improve safety and traffic flow at a busy Bradford junction.

Bradford Council has approved the construction of a major highway improvement scheme at the junction of St Enoch’s Road, Southfield Road, Southfield Lane, Little Horton Lane and Canterbury Avenue in Wibsey.

For years, campaigners have been pressing for safety improvements at the junction, which been the scene of numerous accidents.

One involved an 11-year-old pupil at nearby Grange Technology College, who was injured after being in collision with a car as he attempted to cross the junction in 2005.

Ward Councillor Ralph Berry (Lab, Wibsey) said the works would have a “major impact” on improving safety and cut rat-running in the surrounding streets.

He said: “There have been long-running problems at the junction. I am in my 20th year as a councillor for that area and it has always been a problem.

“This should be a big step forward for residential streets as well as creating a far safer environment for the 2,000 or so pupils at the school.”

The main works will start in February and last for about 16 weeks. The project will include: l widening the carriageway to improve the junction and ease turning at Little Horton Lane and Southfield Road l controlled pedestrian crossings at all the junctions l a northbound bus lane on St Enoch’s Road.

l right turns banned from St Enoch’s Road to Frimley Drive l right turns ban from Little Horton Lane to Canterbury Avenue.

A drop-in event will take place to give residents the opportunity to view more detailed plans of the project next Wednesday from 4pm to 8pm, at Grange Technology College, Haycliffe Lane.

Officers in Bradford Council’s Major Highways Unit will be on hand to answer any questions.

Councillor Ghazanfer Khaliq, executive member for environment and sustainability, said: “We want to give as many people as possible the opportunity to find out what is going to happen and how the scheme will ease congestion and make the area safer for road users.

“Our highway officers will be on hand to give all the help they can.”

The plans will also be on display at Great Horton Library, Cross Lane, and Bradford Central Library, Prince’s Way, from Monday until Saturday, January 29.