What Are The New Improvement Plans For Doncaster Road In Wakefield?

Anyone who’s ever tried to get into Wakefield centre using Doncaster Road knows it can be a bit of a mission. Whether stuck in a car during rush hour, waiting for a bus that seems to be taking forever, or trying to cross the road on foot, it’s not always the smoothest experience. Well, it looks like some big changes are on the horizon. Wakefield Council has put together some fresh plans for the A638, aiming to tackle the daily traffic congestion and make the road a friendlier place for everyone, not just drivers.

So, what's the big idea with these plans?

At its core, this whole project is about rethinking how Doncaster Road works. It's not just about moving cars faster; it's about making it a better, safer route for all. And these aren’t just ideas cooked up in an office. The council has been out and about, gathering feedback from the very people who use the road every day – local businesses and, most importantly, the residents living in the area. This feedback has been the building block for the new plans, ensuring they address real-world problems.

Cllr Matthew Morley, who is the Cabinet Member for Planning and Highways at Wakefield Council, had this to say about the scheme:

“This is a fantastic scheme. It was developed using feedback from members of the public along with local businesses and residents living in the area. We spoke to lots of people that regularly use the road to finalise plans for the project.”

“We’re aiming to improve bus journey times and want to make accessing bus stops easier. We also want to make it better to walk and cycle into the city centre using this route.”

So, the plans are a three-pronged attack: improve public transport, boost road safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and cut down on that frustrating traffic congestion.

A smoother ride for public transport users

If getting the bus is part of your daily routine, you'll know how annoying it is when your journey times are unpredictable. You can see your stop, but the bus is stuck in a long line of cars. One of the main goals of the new plans is to fix this by introducing ‘bus priority’ measures. What does that actually mean? Think of it like a VIP lane for buses. It could involve things like bus-only lanes at certain points or traffic lights that give buses a head start. The aim is to free them from the general traffic congestion, making journey times quicker and more reliable.

It’s not just about the time on the bus, either. The project also looks at the whole experience of using public transport. This includes making it easier and safer to get to the bus stops themselves. For people with pushchairs, in wheelchairs, or who just feel a bit wobbly on their feet, a clear, well-maintained path to a bus stop makes a huge difference. These changes are all designed to encourage more people to hop on a bus instead of taking the car.

Making the road safer for everyone

Road safety is a massive part of these new plans. For too long, busy roads have felt like they belong only to cars, which can be pretty scary for everyone else. This project wants to change that. A key feature is the introduction of new pedestrian crossings. This is brilliant news for anyone who has ever had to do that awkward dash across a busy road. Properly designed pedestrian crossings will give people safe, clear points to get from one side to the other, making the whole area feel more welcoming for pedestrians.

It’s not just about walking, either. The plans include brand-new, dedicated cycling routes. This is fantastic for both experienced cyclists and those who might be a bit nervous about sharing a road with heavy traffic. Creating separate cycling routes means cyclists can travel without worrying about cars, and drivers don't have to stress about cyclists. It’s a simple change that massively improves road safety and might just tempt more people to get their bikes out of the shed. When a road is safer for pedestrians and cyclists, it becomes a more pleasant place for the whole community.

Thinking green and cutting down on fumes

There's a bigger picture here, too. All these improvements – better bus journeys, safer cycling routes, and more pleasant walking options – have a really positive knock-on effect on the environment. How? Well, when public transport is efficient and cycling feels safe, more people are likely to leave their cars at home. Fewer cars on the road means less traffic congestion, which in turn leads to a reduction in carbon emissions.

Carbon emissions are the harmful gases that come out of car exhausts, contributing to air pollution and climate change. By making the road on Doncaster Road work better for greener travel, these plans will help improve the air quality in the area. It’s a classic win-win situation: the changes make daily travel easier for residents while also creating a healthier environment for everyone in Wakefield.

Got an opinion? Here's how to share your feedback

The best part about all this is that the plans are not yet set in stone. Wakefield Council is actively looking for more feedback from residents. After all, it's the local people who have the best knowledge of the road and how it works day-to-day. You can see all the detailed plans online by visiting: https://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/a638

But if you'd rather see things up close and ask questions, there are two face-to-face drop-in sessions planned. These are great opportunities to chat directly with the experts behind the project. You can point at the maps, ask "what does this mean for my street?" and get proper answers. It's a chance to make sure your voice is heard.

Here are the details for the sessions:

• Tuesday 23 September from 9:30am to 12:30pm at St Catherine's Church Centre, Doncaster Road, WF1 5HL.
• Monday 29 September from 4:30pm to 6:00pm at Wakefield Trinity Rugby Club (Media Suite), Doncaster Road, WF1 5EY.

Whether it’s online or in a face-to-face meeting, sharing your feedback is a really important step. It helps ensure the final plans for Doncaster Road truly work for the people who will be using it for years to come.