Previous Consultation

2019 consultation details

Improvements at Dawsons Corner are an integral part of the broader measures proposed along the Bradford to Leeds route. Long queues at this junction cause delays for both buses and general traffic, particularly during peak times. Reducing these delays is crucial to managing the increasing traffic levels on the Ring Road and preventing motorists from using less suitable routes. The queuing traffic significantly impacts bus services, leading to unpredictable delays and making services unreliable. Additionally, the current junction layout poses challenges for pedestrians and cyclists, with only three of the four approaches having crossing facilities.

Opportunities

• New Junction Layout: We propose creating a new, larger junction controlled by traffic lights, with enhanced pedestrian and cycle facilities. Dedicated lanes for left and right turns will allow traffic to flow more smoothly.
• Bus Lane Introduction: A new westbound bus lane on the Bradford Road approach will ensure buses are not affected by daily traffic fluctuations. This lane will end before the Owlcotes Lane exit from New Pudsey Station.
• Pedestrian and Cycle Crossings: New pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities will be added to all approach roads. A new route through the centre of the junction will improve links between Bradford Road (west) and the Ring Road (south), enhancing access to New Pudsey Station.

Benefits

• Reduced Journey Times: Traffic modelling indicates these improvements should reduce peak journey times for all vehicles by an average of 4 minutes, with more reliable travel times.
• Fewer Bus Delays: The changes at the junction and the dedicated bus lane along Bradford Road will aims to reduce or eliminate current delays for buses of up to 14 minutes.
• Improved Access for Pedestrians and Cyclists: Direct crossings and new routes aim to make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate the junction, with improved connections to key local destinations.

Issues

• Congestion: Journey times through Dawsons Corner can be up to three times longer during peak hours compared to other times due to the current layout's inability to handle high traffic volumes and conflicting movements.
• Bus Service Reliability: Real-time data shows bus journey times through Dawsons Corner can vary by as much as 13 minutes during peak times, causing unreliable services.
• Limited Pedestrian and Cyclist Access: The lack of adequate crossing facilities forces pedestrians and cyclists to take complicated routes around the junction.

Impacts

• Enhanced Links: In response to requests for better pedestrian and cycle connections to New Pudsey Station and the Owlcotes Shopping Centre, the updated proposals include a new route through the junction, improving links from Bradford Road. We are also considering a direct route from The Fairway.
• Resident Parking: Concerns about the impact on resident parking along Bradford Road between Woodlands Terrace and Owlcotes Lane have been addressed. The latest proposals retain parking in its current location, with the road widening to the north to accommodate the new bus lane.
• Traffic Light Changes: New traffic lights at Priesthorpe Avenue will create a safer environment for all road users, although right turns into Priesthorpe Avenue from the Ring Road will be prevented. Instead, a u-turn will be provided at the new junction.
• Property Access: New access for nine properties on the north side of Bradford Road, between Meadow Park Drive and the junction, is also proposed. Residents will be consulted on alternative arrangements.

Summary of feedback Analysis from original consultation (2019)

The consultation received responses from predominantly local residents. Key feedback included:

• 51% felt positive towards the proposals.
• 30% felt negative.
• 19% were neutral.

Main reasons for positive feedback included improved bus services (40%) and reduced congestion (39%). Concerns included potential delays caused by the proposals (29%). Support was strongest for widening the junction (49%) and bus priority lanes (37%).