Transformation of Jacobs Well roundabout underway

Article dated Friday Oct 13, 2023 at 03:40 PM

The transformation of Jacobs Well roundabout, as part of the Bradford City Centre Walking and Cycling Improvements Scheme, is well underway.

The roundabout with subways is being filled in to create a new ‘super crossing’ as part of Bradford Council’s ambitious plans to improve the city centre, with new traffic-free areas as well as new routes and facilities for public transport, walking and cycling.

The new super crossing will connect the city centre with the area around the National Science and Media Museum (which is currently closed for a £6m refurbishment), Bradford Live (which is undergoing work to transform it in to a 3,800-capacity venue), the famous Alhambra Theatre and areas around the college and the university.

There will no longer be a need for a roundabout at Jacobs Well when Hall Ings becomes a new traffic-free linear park.

The preparation work on the subway has now been completed this included sealing off and filling in of underground routes and the removal of existing drainage pipes and cabling.

The construction team are now using locally sourced recycled material which is made from crushed concrete, brick and stone which is being placed and compacted in layers to fill in the space and create a strong base for the future road surface for the new super crossing.

So that this work can be carried out safely a number of lane closures around the roundabout are necessary, while machinery is on site.

The mermaid statue that was in the subway area of the roundabout has been safely removed and it is currently being stored securely while a new home for it is found.

In early 2024, work will start to pedestrianise Hall Ings. New walking and cycling routes, as well as new seating areas and landscaping, will replace the majority of the existing road space. These changes will create a dramatically improved sense of arrival to the city centre for visitors and commuters alike.

These elements of the scheme are expected to be complete by 2025, with large parts of the work already underway.

The scheme is being delivered by Bradford Council in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and funded through the Leeds City Region Transforming Cities Fund (TCF).

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “The filling in of the subways at Jacobs Well roundabout mark an important milestone in the programme of works being undertaken as part of the Transforming Cities Fund project.

“This project sees the largest transformation of the city centre in decades, creating new open traffic-free spaces making it safer, easier and more pleasant for people to get around and between the shopping and entertainment areas.

“While the scale of construction works means that delays to journeys through the city centre are inevitable, particularly at peak times, the end result will be worth it.”

For more information visit www.future-bradford.co.uk and sign up to receive regular newsletters about progress of the scheme.

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