Thornton Road Improvements Project

Construction on Thornton Road began on 20 July 2026

Construction work on the Thornton Road Improvements Project began 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 routes for people walking or using wheeled mobility aids and pushchairs

  • 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 started
on 20 July 2026

Construction began 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.

Works to date

Since construction began, the project team has been carrying out a range of essential preparatory works along Thornton Road.

This has included tree pruning, removal of existing central traffic islands, installation of temporary traffic management and signage, and other works to prepare the road for the main construction programme.

Latest progress

Work is now progressing across several sections of Thornton Road, including Spring Head Road, Chat Hill Road, Old Road, Heys Road and Leaventhorpe Lane. Traffic management is being moved between sections as construction progresses, with temporary traffic lights in place where required.

Traffic management arrangements will remain in place for several months and may change as the project progresses.

Please see the latest newsletter for more details. You can also subscribe via the link to receive future email updates: Thornton Road newsletter.

  • 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

    • Four Lane Ends to Girlington Road junction.

    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.

  • 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 and planting more tree to significantly increase the number of trees currently on Thornton Road

    View the You Said. We Did document here.

View the final maps

Detailed plans showing how Thornton Road will look once construction is complete can be viewed by clicking the button below.

These plans show the layouts, crossings, cycle routes, bus stop improvements and landscaping across the entire scheme.

View Thornton Road Maps

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.

To keep up to date with the latest news with the Thornton Road constructions works, please sign up to our newsletter.

Newsletter sign up

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.