Work gets underway on Horsefair Improvement Scheme
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
As part of major investment into improving the roads and pavements in Pontefract town centre, work has now begun on a new scheme to transform Horsefair and improve links between the town and the castle.
It will include a new one-way system, improved pedestrian crossings, wider pavements, a designated cycle path and the introduction of a lower speed limit.
“We’re investing over £20 million in improving your roads and footpaths over the next two years. We want to make the whole district as accessible as we can.
“So, I’m pleased to see work get underway in Horsefair, which will make travelling between the town and the castle easier and safer. This will include improved pedestrian crossings, wider pavements with more space for walking and cycling, and we’re introducing a lower speed limit.
“Every day we’re investing in our roads, and this is just one of 120 major projects we’re delivering this year. They include work to improve the condition of our roads, on new road safety schemes, and projects to make traffic flow better.
“It will be necessary to temporarily close some of the roads while this work is carried out. But we’ll be working hard to get everything done as quickly as possible. I would like to say a huge thank you for bearing with us while we improve your roads.”
Cllr Matthew Morley
Cabinet Member for Planning and Highways
A new one-way system to improve traffic flow in Horsefair will come into effect from 27 July. This will mean vehicles can no longer drive from Northgate onto Finkle Street or Horsefair towards Southgate. Travel from Southgate towards Northgate using this route will be unaffected once the new one-way system is in place.
The area will be made more cycle and pedestrian friendly thanks to the Transforming Cities Fund and ‘Streets for People’ funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
For more information, visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/horsefair