Kirklees Council Unveils £37.2 Million Plan to Upgrade Roads and Transport Network

Posted By: KLTVon: May 14, 2025In: Current Affairs, Innovate & Inspire, News

Reading Time: 2 minutes

By KLTV Newsdesk –

Major investment targets potholes, public transport, safer roads and cycling infrastructure with additional government grants to support green and sustainable travel.

Kirklees Council has announced a comprehensive £37.2 million investment over the next two years to improve the borough’s highways and transport infrastructure.

The funding will be used to enhance everything from road surfacing and pothole repairs to traffic signals, flood management, and cycling facilities – all to make Kirklees a better-connected, safer and more sustainable place to live, work and visit.

The ambitious plan will address critical areas, including street lighting, car parking, road safety, drainage systems, and public transport access, as the council works to create a more modern and efficient travel network.

Councillor Munir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways, said: “Maintaining and improving our highways network is essential to making Kirklees a great place to live, work and visit.

“Our ongoing investment improves access links between our towns and villages, creating more opportunities for education, employment, and training.

“Investing in highway assets across Kirklees is key to supporting people in making the shift towards other travel options.”

Additional Government Funding to Boost Key Projects

Alongside the council’s own investment, Kirklees has secured several external funding streams to support targeted transport initiatives.

In 2024, a successful bid to the Department for Transport’s Green Light Fund (GLF) resulted in a £500,000 allocation to upgrade traffic signals along the A62 Corridor at Cooper Bridge.

The council also received £875,000 from the City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) for a borough-wide speed limit review, and an additional £72,600 from the West Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s Traffic Signals Obsolescence Grant to replace outdated signal equipment.

Improving Access and Encouraging Active Travel

Part of the funding will support improvements to the 700 miles of Public Rights of Way (PROW) across Kirklees.

This includes new signage, boardwalks, footbridges, handrails, and better drainage, all aimed at making these routes more accessible for walking, cycling and horse riding.

Investment in Urban Traffic Control (UTC) systems will help install advanced traffic light technology.

Junctions and crossings will be prioritised for upgrades, allowing better flow for public transport, pedestrians and cyclists.

Making Roads Safer for All

The council’s Safer Roads programme will also benefit, with continued improvements to pedestrian crossings, safer school routes, and expanded speed management initiatives to support more active travel options.

CRSTS funding will drive economic growth, improve services, and decarbonise the transport system.

These efforts range from core maintenance and asset management to major projects such as the Transforming Cities initiative, which aims to deliver bold connectivity and sustainable transport improvements.