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£3.4 million transport makeover for Leeds junction

A notorious junction in Leeds is to be given a makeover estimated to cost £3.4million.

The project has been successfully awarded grant funding from the Department for Transport’s Local Pinch Point fund.

The fund is designed to promote economic growth through rapid development of schemes for the removal of transport barriers.

Thornbury Barracks roundabout on the A647, the main road between Bradford and Leeds, is according to the council the site of severe congestion at peak times which often causes long tailbacks.

Works will include creating lanes through the middle of the roundabout in both main directions, traffic lights, reorganisation of the lanes, pedestrian and cycling facilities, bus stop upgrades and improved street lighting. The outdated subway will also be removed.

Leeds City Council executive board member for the economy and development councillor Richard Lewis said: “This scheme will vastly improve this badly congested junction, which we’re sure commuters will welcome with open arms.

“Works will cause some disruption but it will be short term pain for long term gain. “We’re delighted this junction has received this sizable chunk of funding. The roundabout is on a major link with Bradford and is increasingly busy.

“Thornbury Barracks junction is also a key feature in our cycle network. We have been able to plan for the pinch point at the same time as the cycle superhighway meaning we have a joined up solution vital to a safe and working junction.”

The Local Pinch Point Fund granted to this scheme is a Government fund worth £170m designed to remove bottlenecks on local highway networks, which are impeding growth.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .