Thornton Road
Thornton Road Improvements Project construction begins on 20 July
Construction work on the Thornton Road Improvements Project will begin on Monday 20 July 2026, marking the start of a major investment to make one of Bradford's busiest routes safer, greener and easier to use for everyone.
The first phase of work will focus on preparing the site, with the main construction works taking place in carefully planned stages over the coming months. Throughout the project, we'll work hard to minimise disruption while keeping local communities informed every step of the way.
The scheme is being delivered by Bradford Council, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, with construction carried out by Balfour Beatty.
What is the Thornton Road Improvements Project?
The project brings together the previously consulted West Bradford Cycle Superhighway Phase 2 and Four Lane Ends Corridor Improvement Scheme, alongside wider improvements along the Thornton Road corridor.
Once complete, the scheme will include:
New segregated cycle routes along Thornton Road
Improved pedestrian crossings and safer junctions
Upgraded bus stops and waiting facilities
New planting and landscaping
Improved walking and wheeling routes
Better connections between west Bradford and Bradford city centre
The improvements are designed to create a safer, more accessible and attractive route for everyone while supporting future growth across the district.
Construction starts
on 20 July.
Construction will begin on Monday 20 July 2026 and will be delivered in carefully planned phases to help minimise disruption and keep Thornton Road open wherever possible.
The majority of works are expected to be completed by Spring 2028, with final landscaping and finishing works completed by early Summer 2028.
What to expect first
The first few weeks of work will focus on preparing the site for the main construction programme.
Initial activities will include:
Pruning trees where required to help keep road users and the workforce safe during construction, while supporting the long-term health of existing trees.
Removing existing central traffic islands to prepare for the new road layout.
Installing temporary traffic management and construction signage.
Carrying out other essential preparatory works.
These early activities have been carefully planned and are expected to cause minimal disruption. Traffic will continue to use Thornton Road, although you may notice temporary lane narrowing and traffic management in some locations while work is carried out safely.
As construction progresses, work will move through different sections of Thornton Road and the type of activity taking place will change. We will update this webpage regularly with the latest information, including upcoming works, traffic management arrangements and any temporary changes to access. We encourage residents, businesses and road users to check back regularly throughout the project.
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Construction will move progressively along Thornton Road in a series of planned sections.
The main construction areas include:
Spring Head Road to Hoyle Ing Road
Chat Hill Road, School Green, Old Road and Thorpe Road
Leaventhorpe Lane and Southlands Grove
Bell Dean Road and Rhodesway
Fairweather Green Fire Station to Lane Ends Close
Each section will generally follow a similar sequence of works, including utility diversions, changes to kerbs and traffic islands, construction of new walking and cycling infrastructure, junction improvements, resurfacing and landscaping.
Detailed information will be shared with residents and businesses before work begins in each area.
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The final design has been shaped by feedback received during public consultation in 2025.
Following comments from residents, businesses, schools and local organisations, a number of important changes have been made, including:
Additional parking near Beckfoot Thornton School
Improved parking and loading arrangements for local businesses
Changes to maintain two-way access at Vine Terrace East
Reduced impact on parking near Leaventhorpe Lane shops
Additional parking near Steelis Workwear
Retaining as many existing trees as possible while planting significantly more trees than are currently on Thornton Road
You can read more about the consultation feedback and the changes made in our You Said, We Did document.
Download the You Said, We Did document (button link to PDF)
View the final maps
Detailed plans showing how Thornton Road will look once construction is complete are available below.
These plans show the layouts, crossings, cycle routes, bus stop improvements and landscaping across the entire scheme.
Keeping you informed
We understand that construction work can be disruptive and we're committed to keeping local communities informed throughout the project.
We'll provide regular updates through:
This webpage
Resident and business letters
Email updates
On-site signage
Bradford Council social media channels
Information about upcoming traffic management, overnight working, bus stop changes and road closures will be published before works begin wherever possible.
Contact the team
If you have any questions about the Thornton Road Improvements Project or the construction works, please get in touch.
Email: thornton.road@future-bradford.co.uk
Freephone: 0808 196 9119
Post: Freepost BFD Highways (no stamp required)
For construction-specific enquiries, you can also contact Balfour Beatty:
Email: thornton.road@balfourbeatty.com
Project enquiries are monitored Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm (excluding bank holidays).
We look forward to working with residents, businesses and stakeholders throughout construction and thank you for your patience while these improvements are delivered.