Green light expected for £24m Corn Exchange road scheme

West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) is expected to approve a scheme to improve bus, pedestrian, and cycling infrastructure to help ‘transform the Corn Exchange into a world class gateway’ for the city.

But a report from WYCA’s own officers claims the scheme represents ‘very poor’ value for money in a cost/benefit analysis – but added this was often the case for projects of this type.

The scheme would take in roads around the Corn Exchange, including Vicar Lane, Lower Briggate, Kirkgate and Call Lane.

It includes changes to the highway structure, bus gates, and bus re-routing measures, which a document from WYCA officers claims will ‘improve end to end bus journey times and bus service reliability’.

Footpaths will also be widened on surrounding roads, while protected cycle lanes and cycle crossings would ‘improve connectivity to the cycle network’.

The plans, at an early stage, also include new public open spaces.

WYCA members will be asked to endorse the outline business case for the project this week, while construction is hoped to begin in May.

The report claims the scheme represents ‘very poor’ value for money in a cost/benefit analysis, but added this is often the case for improvements of this type.

It added: “Given the scheme is very much to deliver in accordance to public transport policies and strategies, the wider strategic benefits have to be taken into consideration.

“It would still be a recommendation that the promoter reflects on the outline design and seeks to improve the value for money position by making refinements at the detailed design stage.”

The report recommends WYCA members give ‘indicative approval’ for a contribution of £24.7m towards the scheme.