West Yorkshire Combined Authority has established the plans for a new mass transit tram system between Leeds and Bradford, with proposals set to be approved this week.
Now that the plans have been set out, the Combined Authority is expecting construction to begin in 2028, with phase one including two lines between Leeds and Bradford. The Leeds Line will run between St James’ Hospital to Elland Road and the White Rose Shopping Centre, going through the city centre.
The Bradford Line will run from Leeds city centre to Bradford city centre, whilst linking Bradford Forster Square Station with the new rail station in the city. By bringing this line into use, plans for the regeneration of the southern gateway into Bradford are being supported.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin commented on the plans:
“Today is a key milestone in our plan to create a better-connected region that works for all. By setting out our plans to submit to government, we are taking a major step forward towards the biggest infrastructure project West Yorkshire has seen since the development of the motorways six decades ago.
"This will be transformational for the North, helping our communities to thrive and our economy to flourish - benefitting generations to come with greater opportunity and prosperity.
“We know that mass transit systems have successfully helped to regenerate areas right across the country by boosting connectivity, opportunity and prosperity – and we will work tirelessly to make sure that happens here in West Yorkshire.”
A third line is also a possibility, with the Combined Authority open to working with Kirklees Council on how a Dewsbury Line could be introduced. This will be part of a joint project that will see the authority working with the county’s local authorities to make sure that no part of West Yorkshire is left behind by mass transit plans, including Kirklees, Calderdale, and Wakefield.
Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, added:
“West Yorkshire is currently the biggest region in the country without a mass transit system. These tram proposals are part of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for comprehensive new transport links, which will undoubtedly enhance people’s lives.
“We are already making good progress on developing plans for better rail transport nationally for Bradford, and this exciting new mass transit system supports our aim to connect Bradford more widely across West Yorkshire and also to connect the two Bradford city centre stations.”
With the plans expected to be approved by members of the Combined Authority this week, with this then being sent to the Department for Transport so that the government can approve the development of the project.
Image credit: iStock
