Contractor Partners Casey have successfully handed over Great Horton Road to the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council. The project, valued at £3.3 million and spanning 54 weeks, marks a significant milestone in green infrastructure development within Bradford and the surrounding areas.
The Great Horton Road scheme, procured through the Procure Partnerships Framework, aimed to enhance connectivity and alleviate traffic congestion in the region. The project involved the construction of a new link road between All Saints Road and Horton Park Avenue, including the provision of a new roundabout at the Horton Park Avenue junction, installation of new traffic signals, relocation of pedestrian crossings, and the establishment of shared cycleway and footway provisions. Additionally, extensive landscaping and improvements to a local car park for public use were integral components of the scheme.
The primary objective of this project was to facilitate smoother traffic movements, thereby reducing congestion and improving air quality, while enhancing commuting links to employment and housing areas. Furthermore, the project embraced sustainability principles, with a particular focus on incorporating sustainable drainage systems designed to mitigate flood risks. The integration of permeable paving, rain gardens, and underground water management systems underscores Bradford Council’s commitment to sustainable urban development.
Casey also committed to a comprehensive social value plan to maximise positive impacts on local residents and businesses. Initiatives included offering work experience placements, prioritising local suppliers and contractors, and supporting the neighbouring Great Horton Farm. Copthorne Primary School also played an integral role in the project, with students actively participating in safety initiatives and being the first to utilise the new link road for their Bikeability assessment.
The project received recognition for adhering to best practices, including high scores from the Considerate Constructors Scheme and effective public engagement, which was facilitated by a dedicated Community Liaison Officer. Furthermore, early engagement with statutory authorities ensured seamless coordination of service diversions and traffic management requirements, minimising disruptions to the local community.
Reflecting on the project’s success, David Aspinall, Project Manager at the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, praised the collaborative efforts of the stakeholders, stating,
“Many thanks to all of your workforce for successfully delivering the scheme on time and to a high standard of workmanship.”
Graham Lang, Operations Director at Casey, expressed his satisfaction with the project’s outcome, emphasising the importance of partnership working and collaboration to achieve shared goals.
“This project has been a real joint effort, with partnership working and collaboration at the forefront, we are delighted to have successfully worked on behalf of Bradford Council on this scheme, which will make a real difference to the local community, upholding Casey’s purpose of Improving Lives.”
Natalie Palframan, Key Account Manager at Procure Partnerships Framework, added:
“We are thrilled to have supported the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council in the procurement of this project. The level of expertise that has been invested in this project is highly commendable. From the initial strategy and early engagement to the design and the build, the collaboration resulted in seamless coordination of service diversions, minimising disruptions to the borough and its residents.
We’re delighted that the Council and its residents will benefit from not only the sustainable aspects of this scheme but also the tangible benefits in reduced congestion and quicker commutes.”