Government gives the green light for A647 Dawsons Corner and Stanningley Bypass, speeding up car and bus journeys, reducing air pollution and improving safety.

Local road users in Leeds and Bradford have seen high levels of traffic on the road worsen over the years, particularly slowing down buses between Leeds and Bradford.

A key connection between the two cities, the replacement of the roundabout and structural renewal of the bypass is expected to increase the amount of bus passengers, speeding up traffic for all modes of road transport.

Journeys on the road are also expected to be safer, with the bypass being constructed over 50 years ago, prone to a number of defects and safety concerns.

The improvements will apply to Dawsons Corner junction in Pudsey, and to Stanningley Bypass, between Dawsons Corner and the Bramley area in Leeds, both serving large volumes of traffic. It is also a key junction for Leeds to Bradford bus trips, and for the Bradford Leeds Cycle Superhighway.

The Government is determined to speed up the delivery of infrastructure across the UK, which includes expanding the UK’s road network for economic growth. As well as faster journeys, drivers are also set to benefit from improved road surfaces, thanks to a recently announced record £1.6 billion investment to fill the equivalent of seven million potholes and repair roads, including £14.8 million for West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Mark Cowgill, president of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, and Chris Black, president of Leeds Chamber of Commerce, said, “Connectivity is cited by businesses in our region time and time again among the chief pressures they face.

“Any measures to improve journey times between the two great cities of Bradford and Leeds is to be welcomed and we congratulate the government on the move. This investment will improve productivity and give businesses in our region greater confidence to invest and grow profits. Leeds and Bradford’s success will always hinge on one another’s progress and to see the two cities being pulled closer together is positive.”

A total of £90m for the four schemes is being contributed by the Government, expected to generate millions more to the UK economy. This is part of the Government’s Plan for Change to renew infrastructure and raise living standards across the UK.