Harrogate Road and New Line Junction Improvement Scheme
1 Scheme details
Both Harrogate Road and New Line are significant routes within Bradford's transport network. Harrogate Road is a key commuter route between Bradford, Rawdon and Harrogate, as well as being the primary access between Bradford and Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA). New Line is another key route and provides access between Keighley, Shipley, Bingley and Leeds.
The improvement works being put forward will reduce congestion and offer improved and safer provision for pedestrians and cyclists. To facilitate this, a number of changes to the road layout are proposed, including the widening of both Harrogate Road and New Line on all four sections of the cross roads. In addition, new cycling lanes and pedestrian islands with signal controlled crossings are proposed.
The Harrogate Road and New Line junction improvement scheme has received investment through the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Growth Deal - a £1 billion package of government investment to accelerate growth and create jobs across Leeds City Region. This scheme was awarded funding in 2015. Alongside the funding from the Leeds City Region LEP Growth Deal, the scheme has also been funded by developer contributions.
Please note: the above image is an indicative drawing used for consultation purposes. For an up to date drawing showing the scheme engineering details, please see the link below.
Improving the pedestrian experience
- Pedestrian islands, together with controlled (traffic signal) crossings, will be installed to make it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross these busy roads.
- Tactile pavement surfaces will enable the visually impaired to navigate the junction more easily.
- In addition to new crossings arrangements at the junction itself, a brand new puffin crossing is proposed on Harrogate Road near to Greengates Primary School. The existing zebra crossing on New Line will be improved with new lighting and tactile paving. These facilities will assist pedestrians to safely cross the roads.
- Modern street lighting will be provided within the bounds of the scheme incorporating brighter and clearer LED units.
Reducing congestion
- The number of traffic lanes will be increased from one to two, for ahead and left turn vehicle movements at the junction.
- Right turn lanes will be introduced on New Line to reduce the likelihood of right-turning traffic blocking other traffic movements.
- A new section of road will be constructed to form a P-Loop system which will cater for a left and a right turn from Harrogate Road onto New Line. The loop will improve efficiency of the junction, while minimising the amount of highway land required.
- It is proposed that waiting restrictions (double yellow lines) are installed as part of the Traffic Regulation Orders. This will reduce the likelihood of congestion caused by parked vehicles.
- Traffic signals will be designed to respond to changes in traffic flows, improving the efficiency of the junction.
Improving journeys for cyclists
- Cycle lanes and wide inside lanes will be provided to enable cyclists to better and more comfortably navigate the junction.
- The provision for cyclists at this junction anticipates future potential cycle routes around the periphery of the junction and to the rail way station.
Public transport - bus stops
- Four bus stops will be relocated and upgraded to provide shelters, real time information and raised kerbs for improved accessibility.
- Two existing stops on New Line will be amalgamated, providing a single high quality stop facility to improve journey times.
- Where space permits, dedicated bus bays will be constructed, allowing general traffic to flow more readily through the junction.
Landscaping
- New trees will be planted in various locations across the scheme.
- New grass verges will be planted, increasing green space around the junction.
- CBMDC have endeavoured to retain as many trees as possible within these proposals. Where trees are proposed to be removed, other trees will be planted to replace them at other locations within the scheme and nearby.
- To reflect the character of the area, York stone paving will be installed at the four corners of the junction.