£1.4bn transport improvements in West Yorkshire

The scheme, agreed by West Yorkshire Combined Authority, will include road improvements, a new M62 junction and railway upgrades.

In Wakefield, the plans include the Eastern Relief Road, which will run from Aberford Road through Eastmoor to Doncaster Road and improvements at Kirkgate and Denby Dale junctions.

Work on the Northern Link Road in Pontefract is already underway and is expected to be complete early next year.

A new junction on the M62 near Brighouse will also be built as part of the proposals.

Coun Denise Jeffrey, deputy leader of Wakefield Council with responsibility for economic growth, said, “This is excellent news for the Wakefield district and a massive boost for economic growth and investment.

“New roads mean new jobs and we are delighted to see the West Yorkshire Transport Fund being used to benefit the district. The Wakefield Eastern Relief Road, which is awaiting planning permission next week, is a key scheme for the district and we look forward to rapid progress now the funding has been agreed.”