Major improvement work on Keighley's Hard Ings Road.
Developed by the Combined Authority and Bradford Council and funded through the £1bn West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund, the £10.3 million scheme is designed to reduce journey times and cut delays through the town.
2 May 2019
Major improvement work on Keighley's Hard Ings Road starts on Tuesday 7 May.
Developed by the Combined Authority and Bradford Council and funded through the £1bn West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund, the £10.3 million scheme is designed to reduce journey times and cut delays through the town.
Reducing congestion
By reducing congestion, it will also improve air quality for road users and residents alike. The scheme will also allow greater control over the flow of traffic through this congested part of the town and will mean better facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.
As part of the preparation for the scheme 62 new, ornamental, native trees, including maple, lime, holly, cherry and mountain ash trees have already been planted in and around Victoria Park. These young trees complement the established mature trees in the popular park and replace a smaller number of low-quality trees that have had to be removed to make way for the road improvements. Landscaping works will be carried out including the planting of more replacement shrubs and trees when the works are finished.
Traffic management
The work will mean traffic management measures but the scheme contractors, Howard Civil Engineering, will aim to keep two lanes along the road open during the expected 58-weeks of work . However, at times temporary traffic lights and road closures will be required to allow the works to be carried out safely. The work will also require the closure of Lawkholme Lane.
Find out more about the scheme from Bradford Council.
Alternative journeys
Diversions will be in place and drivers are advised to leave extra time for journeys and think about alternatives.
People who travel through Keighley on Hard Ings Road may want to consider using the train for their journeys. The Airedale rail line provides regular services connecting at Skipton, Keighley, Bingley, Shipley, Bradford and Leeds with connections for Guiseley, Menston, Burley-in-Wharfedale, Ben Rhydding and Ilkley.
Active travel
People wanting an active alternative can plan a cycle route using an online cycle journey planner. All they need to do is fill in the starting and end points of their journey and the planner will give them the choice of the fastest route, the quietest route away from main roads and taking longer or a balanced route combining the two.
Transport Fund investment in Bradford
The West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund is supported through the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Deal - a £1 billion package of Government investment delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to accelerate growth and create jobs across Leeds City Region.
The Combined Authority has allocated £150 million of Transport Fund investment for schemes in the Bradford district. In addition to the Hard Ings Road improvements, major junction improvements at the Harrogate Road New Line junction at Greengates and at three roundabouts on the A6177 Outer Ring Road to the west of Bradford are set to get underway in the coming year.
Find out more about West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund schemes.