NEW traffic lights, left turn only lanes and one way sections will be added to one of Bradford’s busiest junctions in a bid to beat congestion.

A public consultation on changes to the Toller Lane/Whetley Hill junction have begun, and people have until July 28 to have their say on the proposals.

Several years ago the junction was identified as being one of three that was in major need of a traffic improvement scheme.

Dubbed the West Bradford Junctions Improvement Scheme, the £14 million scheme also includes improvements to the Great Horton Road/Horton Grange Road junction and the Thornton Road/Cemetery Road junction. It is being funded by Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Work to improve junctions at Great Horton Road to begin in Autumn

The Toller Lane/Whetley Hill junction is a crossroads where four busy roads come together, Toller Lane, Carlisle Road, Whetley Lane and Whetley Hill.

The proposed changes include:

- Straight ahead lanes on the Toller Lane and Whetley Hill approaches to the junction

- Dedicated left turns from Carlisle Road onto Whetley Hill and from Whetley Lane onto Toller Lane

- Continuation of two lanes in both directions from the junction to the Toller Lane dual carriageway

- New traffic signals at the junction and at the Toller Lane/Ashwell Road/Church Street junction with dedicated phasing for pedestrians to cross safely

- Improvements to pedestrian crossings including two new islands

- Making Ashwell Road exit only at its junction with Toller Lane

- Landscaping improvements with new trees around the junction

- A left turn only from Ashwell Road into Toller Lane and from Church Street into Toller Lane

- A one way only section along Cross Road from its junction with Toller Lane for most of its length towards Church Street

- No Waiting or Loading at any time on approaches on lengths of Toller Lane, Whetley Hill, Carlisle Road, Whetley Lane, Church Street, Ashwell Road and Cross Road.

A Bradford Council spokesman said: “Local people have waited 20 years for improvements to be made to the Toller Lane junction so the council believes they will be welcomed by the majority of residents.

“Part of the Council’s broader highways strategy and funded through the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund, the works aim to reduce congestion and journey times, improve air quality and increase road safety.”

To have your say on the plans visit yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/westbradford2B

The consultation runs until July 28.