Scheme approved to alter a congested junction
Bradford councillors have voted to carry out major changes to a busy city centre junction that will see St Thomas Road closed at its junction with Westgate. The measures form part of a roughly £1 million package aimed at easing hold-ups and improving road safety in the area.
The Executive decision, taken by the council's Reform UK-led administration, follows a report outlining local collision history and sets out works that are due to begin in September. Funding will come from Government money allocated through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
What the scheme will deliver
- Camera-enforced bus lanes on inbound and stretches near Infirmary Fields and both sides of Westgate;
- Alterations to traffic signals and junction layout;
- Closure of St Thomas Road at the Westgate junction;
- Improved pedestrian crossings and better cycling facilities;
- Retention of existing access to nearby car parks.
A council report acknowledged that the closure of St Thomas Road was likely to attract controversy but said it was a central element of the package because it would remove a vehicle crossing point at the junction and simplify traffic movements.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Estimated cost | £1 million |
| Start date | September |
| Funding source | West Yorkshire Combined Authority (Government grant) |
Safety record cited as justification
The report to councillors highlighted the safety record at the junction. Between 2018 and 2024, five injury collisions were recorded there, including two serious incidents — one involving a pedestrian and another involving a cyclist. The council says closing the route would reduce conflict between vehicles and improve safety while allowing a more straightforward junction arrangement.
"This is a key congestion point for the city. It is not as safe as it should be, and it effects drivers, businesses and residents,"
The council's director of place made this point to the Executive during the meeting, underlining the need to tackle delays and risks at the location. The portfolio holder responsible for economy, regeneration and planning also told members he had reviewed the proposals and believed they would be beneficial.
Local impact and next steps
Work is expected to include new camera-monitored bus lanes designed to prioritise public transport along sections of Westgate, as well as changes to signals and crossings to help pedestrians and cyclists. The council has confirmed that access to the car parks along the road will remain available.
Residents and businesses affected by the planned closure can expect further detail as the project moves towards delivery. The council will need to manage traffic redistribution when St Thomas Road closes at Westgate and to communicate any temporary arrangements during construction.
Given the scale of the intervention and its central location, the scheme will be kept under local scrutiny as works approach in the autumn.
