A LONG-awaited footbridge over a busy dual carriageway has moved a step closer.

Members of West Yorkshire Combined Authority have voted to approve funding to allow a business case for the scheme to be developed.

Due to the total cost of the project, which has spiralled over the years to around £24 million, it will be carried out in two phases.

A pedestrian and cycle bridge will be built over the A629, between Steeton and Silsden.

And additional measures as part of the £12.9m phase one include a toucan crossing at the A6034, and pedestrian and cycle paths.

Funding will come from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement – Government cash awarded to West Yorkshire as part of the area’s devolution deal.

Phase two, which will include another one-and-a-half miles of pedestrian and cycle paths and more road crossings, will not be delivered until extra funding is available.

Concerns were raised about the costs, but executive director for transport Simon Warburton said they were "consistent with equivalent schemes across the country".

Bradford Council leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe said the recent devolution deal for West Yorkshire meant such projects were now being delivered by the combined authority rather than Government departments.

In a joint statement issued after the meeting, Craven-ward Green Party district councillors Janet Russell, Caroline Whitaker and Neil Whitaker said: "We are relieved that the combined authority has finally agreed to proceed with the bridge.

"Residents in Steeton and Silsden have been waiting far too long for a safer crossing over the A629. The Aire Valley Road is a busy, fast dual carriageway and it’s an incredibly dangerous road to cross, but many people have to do this every day.

"We will be monitoring the next stages of this long drawn-out saga to make sure the project moves forward quickly and that commitments are met. This has to include making sure that residents are properly consulted on the design so the end result works best for the local communities.

"We'll continue to put forward the case for phase two of the crossing project, which will provide extended walking and cycling routes connecting the new bridge with Silsden and Steeton."