Public helps revise £4m plan to dealwith traffic

COUNCILLORS are to consider revised plans for a 4m highway scheme in the St John’s area of Wakefield.

Both the new Trinity Walk retail development and the Merchant Gate business quarter in Westgate are expected to increase traffic through the North Wakefield Gateway, affecting people living in the Northgate/Leeds Road residential areas.

A report to Wakefield Council’s cabinet, which will meet on Tuesday next week, makes recommendations following a second public consultation on proposed traffic management around the northern side of the city.

Plans put forward last year were abandoned following initial consultations and a revised scheme was drawn up and put to the public in July and August.

The new proposal will improve traffic flows around the north-west of the city centre and includes better crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, according to Wakefield Council.

Bond Street will be linked to the new Mulberry Way, and a larger pedestrianised area of public space will be created outside County Hall, with all vehicles except buses being routed along the sides of County Hall.

Wakefield Council cabinet member for regeneration Coun Denise Jeffery said: “We have listened to the public’s concerns and have amended our proposals. We now need to take a decision and move forward.”

The plans have also been amended to improve local journeys and accessibility into and out of College Grove, while retaining the proposed bus lane on Northgate, the one way on Wentworth Terrace and the pelican crossings on Leeds Road and outside QEGS.

Subject to approval and funding, work on the scheme could start early next year.