Hebden Bridge Web

Have your say on road improvement plans

Friday, 3 January 2020

Local residents and commuters in Calderdale are being asked for their views on updated plans for road improvement programmes in the borough.

Calderdale Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority are developing a series of improvements to the road network along the A58 / A672 from Junction 22 of the M62 to King Cross in Halifax and the A646 / A6033 from Todmorden, through Hebden Bridge, to Skircoat Moor.

Financed through the Combined Authority’s West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund, the two programmes cover well-used routes through Calderdale, which can be congested, particularly during peak times. The routes also suffer from pockets of poor air quality and are limiting the potential for economic growth because of variable journey times. The schemes look to address these issues and also encourage active travel by improving highway facilities for walkers and cyclists.

Initial consultation on the schemes took place in 2018. Following this, the responses have been analysed and have helped shape further development of the plans. Feedback is now being sought on these updated plans before the project moves to the final design stage.

Plans available to view

Plans are available to view on Your Voice, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s online engagement hub, from Thursday 2 January. The site also hosts an online survey and interactive map where visitors can leave feedback relating to different locations along the route.

Designs will also be on display at the following drop-in events, where people can give feedback in person and Council staff will be on hand to answer any questions:

Friday 10 January 2020 – Todmorden Town Hall - 12pm – 6pm

Monday 13 January 2020 - Hebden Bridge Town Hall - 12pm – 6pm

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Resources, Cllr Jane Scullion, said, “Proposed improvement works on these busy roads aim to deliver a reduction in journey times, particularly for buses. They also include a number of safety improvements to reduce accidents, and improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.

“Using feedback from the initial consultation exercise last year, we’re now at a stage where we can share more detailed designs. We want local communities and those travelling on these routes to have their say about the updated plans to ensure that they properly address the key issues on these roads.”

Cllr Kim Groves, Chair of the West Yorkshire combined Authority Transport Committee said, “This programme of works along the route will have the overall effect of improving traffic flow along the route and improving the reliability, punctuality and journey times, particularly for bus users, as well as improving facilities for people who want to walk and cycle.

“Reducing the constraints caused by the congestion currently experienced on these roads will also help attract new businesses and encourage future housing development while at the same time combating local pollution and emissions in line with our aim of creating a Zero Carbon City region.”

The engagement will start from Thursday 2 January and will run until Monday 27 January. Construction is proposed to take place from autumn 2020.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund is part of the Leeds City Region Growth Deal – a £1 billion package of Government investment through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to accelerate growth and create jobs across Leeds City Region.