Billion pound Growth Deal’s first Yorkshire transport project underway

Work has begun on Yorkshire’s first transport scheme to be funded by the government’s Local Growth Deal.

Construction work has commenced on a £33m relief road around Wakefield, which will run for 3.4 mile (5.5km) and provide a link around the east of the city, as well as connection to the M62 motorway.

The road is slatd to open around Spring 2017.

The Local Growth Deal, which wasannounced in July 2014, consists of £1bn of government money being injected into West Yorkshire with an aim of funding projects that will accelerate economic growth.

The £1bn programme aims to invest in the region’s transport network over the next 20 years, creating further new jobs and improving connectivity for local residents and businesses.

Roger Marsh, the chairman of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said, via BBC: “This important project will support us to unlock the untapped economic growth in our region and enhance the local area by better connecting people to jobs and goods to market.”

Commenting on the Deal last year, the Prime Minister said: “Growth Deals are a crucial part of our long-term plan to secure Britain’s future.

“For too long our economy has been too London-focused and too centralised. Growth Deals will help change all that. They are about firing up our great towns and cities, boosting local economies and driving growth across the country.

“This historic deal means real change with exciting plans for Leeds and the region that include investment in rail and roads - reducing congestion, easing commutes and connecting businesses.

“This deal will also help boost skills in key sectors such as engineering and manufacturing and support growing business. By trusting local people, backing business and investing in infrastructure, skills and housing, we can create thousands of new jobs. And that means more economic security, peace of mind and a brighter future for hardworking people in Yorkshire.”