In late 2023 when it was announced that the northern leg of the HS2 project would be cancelled due to escalating costs there was also a promise that all of the funds previously promised to that would be made available to other transport projects. One of the projects which could benefit was the long mooted tram system for Leeds (and the surrounding area) but as with most things there was very little detail apart from that headline. But that has now changed with the plan sets out by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.<\/p>\n
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As there are Mayoral elections due to take place in May there will be just be one more meeting of the Combined Authority and at that West Yorkshire Mayor, Tracy Brabin, is set to outline the plans.<\/p>\n
Phase one of the proposed scheme would include two lines serving Leeds and Bradford \u2013 The Leeds Line and the Bradford Line. The Leeds Line would go between St James\u2019 Hospital, through Leeds City Centre and to Elland Road and the White Rose Shopping Centre.<\/p>\n
The Braford Line would run from Leeds City Centre to Bradford City Centre and would also link Bradford Forster Square station with the new Bradford railway station. This would support Bradford\u2019s regeneration plans for the city\u2019s southern gateway which includes the new Bradford railway station.<\/p>\n
Future phases could see a Dewsbury Line in the future with the Combined Authority looking to work with Kirklees Council on this.<\/p>\n
Tracy Brabin said: \u201cToday is a key milestone in our plan to create a better-connected region that works for all. By setting out our plans to submit to government, we are taking a major step forward towards the biggest infrastructure project West Yorkshire has seen since the development of the motorways six decades ago.<\/p>\n
“This will be transformational for the North, helping our communities to thrive and our economy to flourish – benefitting generations to come with greater opportunity and prosperity.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know that mass transit systems have successfully helped to regenerate areas right across the country by boosting connectivity, opportunity and prosperity \u2013 and we will work tirelessly to make sure that happens here in West Yorkshire.\u201d<\/p>\n
The \u201cstrategic outline case\u201d will be presented to the Department for Transport after approval by members of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority on 14th<\/sup> March.<\/p>\n The project will be subject to a full business case and approvals process. There will still be a consultation to come (and at the moment no exact route has been announced).<\/p>\n It is hoped that construction would start in 2028 if all approvals go through as hoped for.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In late 2023 when it was announced that the northern leg of the HS2 project would be cancelled due to escalating costs there was also a promise that all of the funds previously promised to that would be made available … Continue reading