BRADFORD Council has welcomed news that Highways England is considering a new road linking the M65 to the Bradford District.

This week Transport Secretary Chris Grayling announced that Highways England will lead a £300,000 study looking at major improvements to road links between the M65 in East Lancashire and parts of Yorkshire, including Skipton and Keighley.

The study – due to start in next month – will consider what enhancements could be made to road connections between the end of the M65 at Colne and Keighley and Skipton.

Local politicians have made calls for such a link road for many years.

New link road between Bradford District and M65 proposed by Government

In response to the announcement, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport at Bradford Council, said: “We are delighted that our work with Transport for the North is beginning to pay off.

“Completing the motorway link between East Lancashire and West Yorkshire would deliver huge economic and employment benefits to the region, particularly the Aire Valley and Keighley. We know there’s strong demand for this from businesses and fully support this important study which represents the first step in creating a quicker link between the M65 and the Bradford district.

“We will continue to work with TfN to ensure the best possible outcome for the district.”