Have your say on new £22.5 million road improvement plans

Residents and businesses are being asked for views on proposals to invest up to £22.5 million in two key roads connecting Leeds and Wakefield District – the A61 and the A639.
Wakefield Council, Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) have developed plans to improve the two roadsWakefield Council, Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) have developed plans to improve the two roads
Wakefield Council, Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) have developed plans to improve the two roads

Wakefield Council, Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) have developed plans to improve the two roads by:

Making them easier and safer for people travelling by bus, bike or on foot Creating faster and more reliable bus journeys Reducing congestion and delays for car users Reducing air pollution Improving green spaces along the two routes

As much as £11.6 million would be invested in the A61 between Leeds and Wakefield, with up to £10.9 million to be invested in the A639 between Leeds and Pontefract town centre.

As much as £11.6 million would be invested in the A61 between Leeds and WakefieldAs much as £11.6 million would be invested in the A61 between Leeds and Wakefield
As much as £11.6 million would be invested in the A61 between Leeds and Wakefield

The schemes would be delivered in partnership with WYCA as part of the government’s Transforming Cities Fund, which aims to provide an accessible, attractive, and cleaner alternative to car journeys.

The proposed package of measures would include dedicated bus lanes and cycle lanes, new crossings, wider pavements and footpaths, smart traffic lights to ease congestion, planting of new trees and public realm improvements.

Matthew Morley, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “This is a significant investment in two key routes which are well-used by local traffic, as well as people travelling from the Wakefield District to Leeds for work or education.

“These improvements are designed to improve connections, reduce delays and make it easier for people travel by bus, bike or on foot.

“I want to encourage everyone who uses these roads to complete the survey to tell us what you think of these initial plans.”

Have your say

Residents and businesses are being consulted on the proposals from now until Sunday 14th August.

To view the proposals, complete the survey and sign up to be kept informed about future progress on the scheme, visit yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/a61-a639.

Feedback on these initial proposals will be used to help shape more detailed plans, which will then be consulted on further. Delivery of the improvements is scheduled for 2024, subject to approvals.