A CONSULTATION on plans to boost public transport, cycling and walking on one of the main routes into Bradford will begin on Monday.

Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority are running the consultation on proposed changes to Manningham Lane, currently one of Bradford's most congested routes, as part of its Bradford Shipley Route Improvement Scheme.

The changes will see segregated cycle lanes, a new 20mph limit, more pedestrian crossings and security cameras to prevent cars from parking on the pavement.

It is an effort to encourage more "sustainable travel" on the route.

Proposed cycling routes would link city centre to South of District

Car owners will instead be encouraged to use Canal Road, which runs adjacent to much of Manningham Lane, to travel between Shipley and Bradford.

The scheme will also a swathe of Bradford Beck re-naturalised along Valley Road.

The changes will also see more trees planted on Manningham Lane along with benches, bike racks and bins.

Work is likely to start in 2022 and end in 2025.

Due to Covid 19 the consultation will be run online with more detailed events including the larger scheme taking place later in the year.

Opinions and views are sought on this consultation (phase 2A) of the proposed improvements which can be viewed here

Bradford Council said: "Traffic congestion is currently a major problem on the route especially during morning and evening peaks.

"This reduces air quality and hampers public transport reliability and the economic potential of the area and district.

"The new designs propose a raft of measures to transform Manningham Lane to a more sustainable transport option.

"More trees will be planted to make the area more attractive, naturally cooling and cleaning the air by trapping nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

"Attractive leafy landscaped pockets have been designed along the road with new park benches, bins and bike stands.

"The latest sustainable storm water drainage systems will be installed to reduce flooding, reduce water pollution and support biodiversity.

"The combined highway improvements will support the building of new housing and business developments and open up long term development opportunities in the area particularly in Airedale and Wharfedale through removing transport constraints.

"Due to its size and complexity, the Bradford Shipley Route Improvement Scheme will probably be introduced in phases with construction starting as early as 2022.

"The scheme is expected be completed by 2025."

To fund the Bradford Shipley Corridor scheme Bradford Council is seeking £47million in funding through the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund, and the Leeds City Region Growth Deal – a £1 billion package of Government investment through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “These proposals contain the latest thinking in sustainable highway design and could deliver significant benefits for local residents, commuters and the environment.

“A new safer cycleway, improved pedestrian crossings and additional greenery along the route would be great for communities in Manningham and Heaton.

“So far, we’ve had a positive response to our consultation with the majority of people in favour of the scheme, so we’re excited to see what people think of the latest designs.”

Councillor Kim Groves, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority's Transport Committee, said: “This programme of works will have the overall effect of improving traffic flow along the route and will improve the reliability, punctuality and journey times, particularly for public transport users, as well as improving facilities for people who want to walk and cycle.

“Reducing the constraints caused by the congestion currently experienced on these roads will also help attract new businesses and encourage future housing development while at the same time combating local pollution and emissions in line with our aim of tackling the climate emergency.”

The consultation opens Monday and closes on Sunday July 5.

People can view the proposals and provide their feedback by visiting here or by emailing yourvoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk or calling 0113 245 7676.