Work starts on £1m project to improve bus journeys

Construction work has begun to improve traffic flow on a major route through Bradford city centre.

The £1m Westgate Bus Hotspot scheme, which is due to last nine months, will see changes made to roads between the former Oastler Market and White Abbey Road.

New bus lanes with cameras will be created along Westgate, along with improved pedestrian crossings and cycling facilities.

The project is being funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and was given the final sign-off by Bradford Council during the summer.

Westgate is used by several major bus services which currently experience delays at peak times, affecting service reliability.

The works include fitting camera-enforced bus lanes, including on an inbound stretch next to Infirmary Fields and both sides of Westgate near the former Oastler Centre, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The project is expected to be completed in May 2027, and will coincide with the start of work to build family homes on either side of Westgate, as part of the City Village housing scheme.

Andrew Judson, Bradford Council's Executive Member for Economy, Regeneration and Planning, said: "Westgate is one of the city centre's busiest routes and these improvements will help tackle congestion, improve the reliability of bus services and make it safer and easier for people walking and cycling.

"We recognise that construction work causes disruption and we'd like to thank residents, businesses and road users for their patience while these improvements are delivered."

The scheme will be delivered in phases with the first work starting at the Westgate junction with Baptist Place.

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