Leeds City Council, Wakefield Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) have drawn up plans to improve both routes.

Plans would see £11.6million invested in the A61 between Leeds and Wakefield, with up to £10.9million invested in the A639 between Leeds and Pontefract town centre.

It would be carried out in partnership with WYCA as part of the government’s Transforming Cities Fund, which aims to provide an accessible, attractive and cleaner alternative to car journeys.

The proposed package of measures includes dedicated bus lanes and cycle lanes, new level crossings, wider sidewalks and pathways and smart traffic lights to reduce traffic congestion, planting new trees and improving from the public domain.

“These proposals will help create a much better and safer experience for everyone using these roads,” said Councilor Helen Hayden, Leeds Councilor for Infrastructure and Climate.

“Both routes are currently dominated by cars, and by making these improvements we can encourage people to use more sustainable methods of travel such as walking and cycling which reduce our impact on the environment and can also improve our health and well-being.”

Matthew Morley, Cabinet Member of Wakefield Council for Highways, said:

“This is a significant investment in two key routes which are well used by local traffic as well as people traveling from the Wakefield district to Leeds for work or education.

“These improvements aim to improve connections, reduce delays and facilitate travel by bus, bicycle or on foot.”

Full details of the proposed changes include:

Make both routes easier and safer for people traveling by bus, bike or on foot.

Create faster and more reliable bus journeys.

Reduce traffic congestion and delays for motorists.

Improved green spaces along both routes.

“The investment in the A61 and A39 is another step towards achieving net zero carbon emissions in our region by 2038, making life in Leeds and Wakefield cleaner and greener,” said Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire.

“I urge people to respond to the consultation, as the proposed changes will affect everyone who uses the roads. A just transition to an inclusive, low-carbon economy will have to meet the needs of people from all walks of life to be a hit.

Residents and businesses are consulted on proposals between Monday, July 4 and Sunday, August 14.

Feedback on these initial proposals will then be used to help develop more detailed plans, which will then be consulted further.

Delivery of the improvements is scheduled for 2024 subject to approvals.

Residents can give their opinion via the online portal or in person at the following public events.

Oulton Primary – LS26 8NT on Monday July 18, 6-8pm.

Primary Robin Hood – WF3 3BG on Wednesday, July 20, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Glassoughton Center – WF10 4PF on Thursday, July 14, 4-7 p.m.

Sandal Methodist Church – WF1 5NU on Monday, July 11, 4-7 p.m.

Outwood Memorial Hall – WF1 2NE on Wednesday, July 13, 4-7 p.m.