Image of footbridge planned for busy road released

The combined authority says most residents who responded backed the plan for a footbridge

An image of how a £13m footbridge over a busy road will look has been released ahead of a planning application being submitted.

Bradford Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) recently held a public consultation into the project, which will see a combined pedestrian and cycle bridge built over the A629 between Steeton and Silsden.

A second stage, which is unfunded, would see new paths built from the centres of both areas to the bridge.

The public consultation attracted comments from 600 people in the area and 85% were said to have expressed support for the proposed bridge.

There was also strong public backing for the proposed new crossing points and ramp linking the railway station to Station Road, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

One person responding to the consultation argued that an underpass or traffic light crossing would be better options.

However, the WYCA said: "A bridge was considered the best option that aligned with the project's objectives as it achieved the separation required between traffic and those walking, wheeling or cycling to improve safety for all users."

It added a bridge would have less impact on traffic flow and offered better safety and security benefits compared to an underpass.

'Sustainable transport improvements'

The authority said it would also install additional bollards at the entrance to either side of the bridge, after another resident express concerns unauthorised vehicles might access it.

Addressing the £13m cost of the proposal, the WYCA said it would be funded through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement "subject to the development of a successful business case".

"The funding is separate from council revenue funding for council services and is ring-fenced by central government for use only to deliver sustainable transport improvements and cannot be spent on council services," a spokesperson added.

The next stage of the project involves the submission of a planning application and a full business case will be submitted to the WYCA in early 2026.

If the planning application and full business case were approved, the new bridge would be expected to open in spring 2027.

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