Three plans have been drawn up as possible solutions to the snarled-up Saltaire roundabout - although only one is likely to ease congestion.

A long-awaited study into Shipley, Saltaire and Baildon's traffic problems by the Highways Agency has highlighted three options.

These are:

  • improving signs and road markings at the roundabout as an interim measure
  • converting the roundabout into a traffic light-controlled junction with pedestrian crossings and closing two access roads into Saltaire village
  • adopting the second option but additionally closing access to Moorhead Lane to all traffic except buses
The third plan is expected to cost £565,000, including a comprehensive study of the traffic flow and public consultation.

And it is the only one which the consultants admit might reduce delays.

In a report to next Tuesday's meeting of the executive committee, Steve Barton, the Council's head of major works, says: "It is believed that this option, involving the closure of Moorhead Lane except for buses, could have an unacceptable impact on the residential area south of Saltaire where concerns relating to non-local traffic have already been raised.

"No firm evidence has been provided by the Highways Agency that any of the options put forward will actually tackle congestion at Saltaire roundabout."

He believes further studies are "urgently" required to establish the impact of these suggestions and possible alternatives.

And he said past ideas of a gyratory or short tunnel at Saltaire "may be worthy of re-examination" although care must be taken to protect the World Heritage Site.

On Monday, the Telegraph & Argus exclusively revealed how Bradford Council was likely to reject an £800,000 offer from the Highways Agency to take over responsibility for the traffic-choked A650/A629 from Steeton to Frizinghall.

That would leave the Council bearing the costs for maintenance as well as the burden of solving the existing traffic problems made worse by the £47.4 million Bingley Relief Road which opened three years ago.

The cost of all the changes is expected to be millions of pounds and Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, the Council's executive member for the environment, said she would be loath to accept an offer she considered to be "a drop in the ocean" of the cash needed.

But, in his report, Mr Barton recommends the executive withdraws its objection to "de-trunking" the road and accepts the money on offer if the Highways Agency commits to at least £800,000.

The Highways Agency's Shipley Area Transport Study focuses on Saltaire roundabout, which it calls a "conflict point" for the two main traffic routes.

"Inadequate signing" at the roundabout, along with six roads and uncontrolled pedestrian crossings serve to "exacerbate the congestion by confusing drivers and reducing capacity," the study states.

e-mail: jo.winrow@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

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