Improved access for Bradford Interchange complete

15 August 2018

Work to improve the main entrance of Bradford Interchange for the nine million people who use it to catch buses and trains each year is now complete and has re-opened to the public.

Among the improvements are new and extended pedestrian crossings, new guard railing to segregate pedestrians from vehicles, which will improve safety, a dedicated taxi rank, a new pick-up and drop-off area and a short-stay disabled parking space.

Marked improvement

Cllr Kim Groves, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee said: "I am pleased we have been able to work with Bradford Council on this successful project, which has resulted in a marked improvement for Bradford Interchange's nine million annual users in terms of accessibility and safety as well as improving the welcome to Bradford city centre that the Interchange provides.

"Earlier this month we started a six-week, £120,000 refurbishment of the public toilets at the interchange and we have plans for further improvements including a new frontage, better pedestrian access and improved facilities."

Positive first impressions

Coun Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: "The enhancements to the Bradford Interchange are part of a wider strategy to improve local infrastructure and boost jobs and economic growth. This is an important upgrade and will make positive first impressions for people visiting Bradford and the wider district."

In February, West Yorkshire Combined Authority approved a £5.65 million scheme to improve the Interchange as a gateway to Bradford city centre. Further stages would see wholesale improvements to the Interchange's layout and facilities improving the way that passengers can use the building and move from one transport mode to another, paving the way for improved Calder Valley rail services and a central Bradford stop on the planned Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) or HS3 route.

The work to improve access at the Interchange took 10 weeks to complete with pedestrian access being maintained throughout the scheme.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority manages the Metro-branded bus stations across West Yorkshire.