THREE multi-million pound options have been revealed to improve road access to Leeds Bradford Airport, as well as more information about the proposed new railway station.

The plans have been drawn up by West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Leeds City Council and Leeds Bradford Airport as part of a five-to-ten year plan to improve journeys to and from Yorkshire’s airport.

With the new details, a public consultation has also opened today, lasting until Friday, April 12.

The first option, set to cost between £90 million and £100m, would see a new road created from the A65 in Rawdon running along the eastern side of the airport before joining the A658 at Whitehouse Lane.

The second would also see a new road off the A65, this time running to the south-west of the airport before rejoining the A658 close to the existing tunnel, and would cost £60m to £70m.

The third option would see no new road created, but existing junctions would be upgraded and widened in some areas. This would cost an estimated £20m to £30m, and any roadworks are expected to be completed within ten years.

Improved rail access was found to be the key area for improvement in initial feedback, and has long been an ambition for the airport.

Plans for a new parkway station on the Leeds to Harrogate line are being put forward, between Scotland Lane and Cookridge with a short connecting road to the airport, car parking and a bus terminal.

Costs for the station are yet to be estimated, and once approved it could be operational in less than five years.

Back on the roads, a number of other works are being planned to reduce congestion and journey times to the airport.

David Laws, chief executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “These latest plans are a major step towards improving the surface access to the airport.

“I am delighted we now have images, an animation and fly-through videos of what the road options and parkway station could look like.

“To unleash the economic potential of our region requires major investment in our transport infrastructure, ensuring our train stations, airports and cities are properly connected.

“I would urge as many people as possible to take part and engage in the consultation which will lead to greater connectivity with our region’s main gateways.”

Councillor Kim Groves, chair of West Yorkshire Combined Authority's transport committee, added: “Leeds Bradford Airport has huge potential for growth in passenger numbers as well as acting as a catalyst for economic development and job creation in the surrounding area.

“The proposals to develop much-needed improvements to the airport’s transport connections will help ensure it reaches that potential and I would urge people to ensure they have their say by taking part in the consultation.”

Cllr Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said the changes will bring "significant benefits" to the region.

She said: "We are pleased to be able to release this updated information on the proposals to improve access and connectivity to the airport, and especially the visuals which will give people an idea of what the plans could look like.

“Leeds Bradford Airport is a key element of our local and regional economy, and these plans to improve road and rail access together with local network upgrades will bring significant benefits as well as helping the airport to grow along with supporting the new jobs we expect to see in the area in the years to come.

"I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in this public consultation and engagement, find out more about all the elements involved, and tell us what they think.”

The airport pumps £336 million into the Leeds City Region economy each year and supports 5,000 jobs.

Over the next 30 years, passenger numbers at the airport are expected to more than double, and more than 5,000 new jobs are expected to be created around the airport by 2030.

Public drop-in sessions to view the plans are being held over the coming weeks; at Yeadon Town Hall from 3pm to 7pm on Monday, February 25, Otley Courthouse on Thursday 28 from 5pm to 8pm, and from 11.30am to 2.30pm on Tuesday, March 5, at Greenacre Hall in Rawdon.