Congestion-cutting plan to redevelop Ings Road in Wakefield set to be approved

Ings Road, which runs along the southern edge of the city centre, could be redeveloped in 2022 - nearly 10 years after ideas to change it were first mooted.

Plans put forward by Wakefield Council, following a public consultation at the end of last year, would involve:

- Space to accommodate cyclists

- An additional eastbound lane under the Ings Road rail bridge

- Better access to Halfords.

- More pedestrian crossings would be installed alongside new trees and street lights.

- Drivers would also be able to turn right onto Thornes Lane from Ings Road, at the Kirkgate Station end. Motorists can currently only turn left at that junction.

A report going before senior councillors next week says the plans will "reduce traffic congestion and provide improved facilities for walking and cycling along the corridor".

Detailing the issues currently facing the road, the report added that conditions on the road were "not up to" desired standards.

It said: "There is unbalanced traffic congestion, particularly during the afternoon peak periods, for traffic travelling eastbound on Ings Road.

"There are also accessibility issues for vehicles travelling in the eastbound direction along Ings Road having a destination on Thornes Lane, and illegal traffic manoeuvres at the entrance and exits to Halfords car park."

If approved as expected, the work will cost around £4.5m of public money.

The report said the scheme would take around 12 months to complete, but added that the impact of the works on drivers "will be minimised".

The council's Cabinet member for highways, Coun Matthew Morley said: "This is a fantastic scheme that will bring benefits for walkers, cyclists, drivers and to business owners and residents by making this area more accessible and easier to navigate.

"We’ve recognised that improvements are needed, and this programme will deliver the changes that will make a real difference to the area."

The Cabinet will discuss the proposals at a public meeting next Tuesday.

Local Democracy Reporting Service