Judith welcomes commitment to A650 Tong Street

A view of Tong Street (Google Street view)

Bradford South MP Judith Cummins has welcomed the Government’s confirmation that the long‑awaited improvements to A650 Tong Street will remain within the Government’s Major Road Network / Large Local Majors (MRN/LLM) programme. The commitment was outlined in a letter sent to Ms Cummins by Roads Minister Simon Lightwood MP, who announced that the A650 scheme will continue to receive Government support as part of the Third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3).

The A650 Tong Street route currently carries tens of thousands of vehicles each day and has long been identified as one of the most congested and problematic stretches of road in Bradford South. Plans for the corridor include carriageway widening, improved junctions, upgraded crossings, new bus infrastructure and a segregated cycle route - measures designed to ease congestion, improve reliability, and enhance safety for local communities.

Welcoming the commitment, Judith Cummins MP said:

“This announcement represents major investment in congested roads in Bradford South. For too long the bottleneck on the A650 has been major frustration for residents, businesses and commuters.

This investment needs to be seen alongside the increased funding for Bradford Council, the £20m of Pride in Place funding that I secured for Holme Wood, and the Pride in Place Impact funding coming to local high streets and neighbourhoods across Bradford South.

This is a real commitment to shift the north-south economic divide with investment in the north.”

The Government has confirmed that, subject to the standard business case process, the Tong Street scheme will progress - unlocking economic growth, supporting future housing development, and improving transport reliability across the district. The Minister’s letter reiterates that the route remains a priority because of its strategic importance and the strong economic case presented for investment.