Bypass on Leeds to Bradford route to be upgraded

Major improvements to a bypass on a main route connecting Leeds and Bradford have been approved by the government.

The A647 Dawsons Corner and Stanningley Bypass upgrade would speed up car and bus journeys, reduce air pollution and improve safety, according to the Department for Transport.

The improvements will apply to the Dawsons Corner junction in Pudsey, Stanningley Bypass, and the Bramley area in Leeds which serve large volumes of traffic.

"Road users in Leeds and Bradford have experienced slow speeds on the A647 for too long, discouraging people from using local buses on the road," Lilian Greenwood, the roads minister, said.

She added: "We're giving this vital scheme the green light, and providing £35m, which will improve local journeys in Yorkshire and boost the economy beyond."

The Department for Transport said the road, which was constructed more than 50 years ago, is prone to defects and safety concerns.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council's deputy leader, said he was "delighted" that the upgrade has been approved.

"The need to improve Dawsons Corner junction has been a major priority for some time.

"It's important not only to improve traffic flow and air quality, but also to support essential links to future housing growth and developments and for people to be able to access jobs more easily with consistent travel times."

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