THE main entrance to Bradford Interchange has re-opened to the public following £210,000 of works to improve access for its nine million passengers.

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.

The entrance area, off Bridge Street, was also completely resurfaced, with the work coming ahead of major improvements planned for next year.

Councillor Kim Groves, chairman of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee said: “I am pleased we have been able to working 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.”

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport at Bradford Council 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, the 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 passengers use the building and move from one transport mode to another.

This is intended to pave the way for improved Calder Valley rail services and a central Bradford stop on the planned Northern Powerhouse Rail or HS3 route.

The work to improve access at the Interchange took a total of ten weeks to complete with pedestrian access maintained throughout the scheme as well as a taxi service.

However short-stay car parking and access for general vehicles was not available during the works, but a temporary pick-up and drop-off point for Interchange passengers was created on Vicar Lane, off the junction with Bridge Street.

Information about the scheme can still be found on the West Yorkshire Combined Authority website at wymetro.com/bradfordinterchangeaccess.