What Are The Pontefract Town Centre Road Changes And The Horsefair One-Way System?

Ever tried walking through Pontefract and felt like you were playing a real-life game of Frogger just to get across the street? Or maybe you've been on your bike and wished there was a bit more space just for you. Well, it looks like someone’s been listening. As of 16 July 2025, work has officially kicked off on a big project to sort out the roads and pavements in the town centre.

It's called the Horsefair Improvement Scheme, and the main idea is to make getting between the town and the famous castle a whole lot easier, and safer, for everyone.

So what's the plan for Pontefract?

Right, let's get into it. Imagine you’re trying to get from the shops to Pontefract Castle. It should be a simple, pleasant walk, right? But sometimes it feels a bit disconnected. This whole project is about fixing that. The council wants to build better, safer links between the two spots, making it feel like one joined-up area rather than two separate places you have to navigate.

This isn't just a small patch-up job. It's a major investment by Wakefield Council to give the Pontefract town centre a proper glow-up. They're looking at everything from the road layout to how easy it is to just have a wander. And it's all part of a much bigger picture for the whole of Wakefield, with loads of projects happening across the district to improve our streets. The goal is to create 'Streets for People', which is a fancy way of saying they want town centres to be great places for humans, not just for cars. The funding for this comes from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, so it's a team effort across the region to make our towns better. It’s a huge undertaking for the whole of the United Kingdom to focus on local improvements.

What's actually changing on the roads?

Okay, this is the important bit you need to know, especially if you drive, cycle, or walk through the area. There are a few key changes coming to the local highways that will affect how you get around. The biggest change is a new one-way system which starts from 27 July 2025. But that's not all. Here's a quick rundown of what's happening:

• A New One-Way System: This is the headline act. To improve traffic flow, you will no longer be able to drive from Northgate onto Finkle Street or Horsefair on your way to Southgate. But don't worry, if you're travelling the other way (from Southgate towards Northgate), that route stays exactly the same.
• Wider Pavements: More space to walk! This means less bumping into people, more room for pushchairs, and a generally more chilled-out experience when you're on foot. These wider pavements are a big win for pedestrians.
• Better Pedestrian Crossings: The existing crossings are getting an upgrade to make them safer and easier to use. No more holding your breath when you cross the road. These improved pedestrian crossings will make a real difference.
• A Proper Cycle Path: Cyclists, rejoice! A designated cycle path is being put in, so you'll have your own space to ride safely without weaving through traffic.
• Lower Speed Limit: To top it all off, a new, lower speed limit will be introduced. This helps make the whole area feel safer for everyone, whether you're in a car, on a bike, or on foot.

What the council says about it

We got the official word from Cllr Matthew Morley, who is the person at Wakefield Council in charge of Highways and Planning. It's clear they are taking this investment seriously.

Here’s what he had to say:

“We’re investing over £20 million in improving your roads and footpaths over the next two years. We want to make the whole district as accessible as we can.”

“So, I’m pleased to see work get underway in Horsefair, which will make travelling between the town and the castle easier and safer. This will include improved pedestrian crossings, wider pavements with more space for walking and cycling, and we’re introducing a lower speed limit.”

“Every day we’re investing in our roads, and this is just one of 120 major projects we’re delivering this year. They include work to improve the condition of our roads, on new road safety schemes, and projects to make traffic flow better.”

“It will be necessary to temporarily close some of the roads while this work is carried out. But we’ll be working hard to get everything done as quickly as possible. I would like to say a huge thank you for bearing with us while we improve your roads.”

So, it sounds like they know it might be a bit disruptive for a while. But the end result should be much better roads and pavements for everyone in the community.

It's all about streets for people

You might have heard the phrase ‘Streets for People’ mentioned. What does that actually mean? Well, for a long time, towns were designed around cars. This project, which gets some of its funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, flips that idea on its head. It’s about making sure our public spaces are brilliant for people, first and foremost.

Think about it. When a place is nice to walk around, with wide pavements and safe crossings, people are more likely to spend time there. You might pop into a few more shops, grab a coffee, or just enjoy the atmosphere. It’s better for local businesses, better for our health, and it makes the town feel more alive. This Horsefair Improvement Scheme is a perfect example of that thinking in action.

Okay, but what about the roadworks?

Let's be honest, nobody loves roadworks. You don't need to be one of the top journalists to report on the traffic jams they can cause. And as Cllr Matthew Morley mentioned, there will be some temporary road closures. The council, which is based at the Town Hall in Wakefield, says it'll be doing everything it can to get the work done quickly.

The best way to think about it is as a short-term headache for a long-term cure. It's a chance to finally unsubscribe from the daily game of dodging potholes and navigating awkward junctions. The council will be tracking the project's progress closely to minimise the disruption. Once the new one-way system is in place and the traffic flow is better, you'll hopefully spend less time tracking your journey on a map app and more time enjoying the improved Pontefract town centre. It’s all about a significant investment in making our corner of West Yorkshire a better place to live and visit.

For more specific details on the project, you can always visit the council's official page at www.wakefield.gov.uk/horsefair.