By KLTV Newsdesk –

The next major phase of the Huddersfield Southern Corridor improvement programme is set to commence on Monday, 17 March 2025, at Lockwood Bar, a key route into Huddersfield town centre.

Kirklees Council is overseeing the scheme, with completion expected in early 2026.

Reducing Traffic and Enhancing Accessibility

Currently, southern corridors into Huddersfield town centre experience significant traffic congestion and delays, particularly during peak hours.

The area also has limited footpaths and cycle lanes, making it less accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.

Reducing traffic flow through Lockwood Bar is a priority for the council, with improvements aimed at enhancing air quality and providing better infrastructure for all road users.

Planned Improvements

The upcoming works will introduce several key changes, including:

• Limiting the left turn from Lockwood Road into Bridge Street and the right turn from Bridge Street into Lockwood Road to buses only.
• A new link road with traffic signals at Crowther Street, providing a two-way traffic connection between Albert Street and Lockwood Road.
• New pedestrian crossings on Lockwood Road and Crowther Street.
• Resurfaced carriageways and footways, new kerbing, and landscaping as part of the final stage.

Council’s Commitment to Better Transport

Councillor Moses Crook, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Transport, emphasised the long-term benefits of the scheme: “We want to make it easier and safer for everyone to travel around Kirklees, whether that’s on public transport, car, motorbike, bicycle, or as a pedestrian.

“We understand that this is a lengthy disruption, but once we have completed this phase of the Huddersfield Southern Corridor, it will address current congestion problems and make significant improvements to journey times and air quality for residents at a key route into and out of Huddersfield town centre.

“With better provision for cyclists and pedestrians and greater links to public transport, there are more realistic options for people to choose how they travel.

“I would like to thank everyone in advance who may be affected for their patience and understanding whilst these important works are carried out.”

Traffic Management and Work Schedule

The works will take place from Monday to Friday, with noisy activities restricted during nighttime hours.

Signage is already in place to notify residents and road users, and diversion routes and traffic management measures will be implemented once work begins.

Part of a Wider Improvement Plan

The Lockwood Bar works represent the third of four stages in the Huddersfield Southern Corridor scheme.

Previous improvements have been completed at key locations such as Queen Street South, Folly Hall, Queensgate, and Shorehead roundabout in Huddersfield town centre.

The final stage will involve works at Long Royd Lane, scheduled to commence in 2026.

Funding and Investment

The Huddersfield Southern Corridors scheme is part of broader plans to enhance road access across Kirklees.

It is funded through the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund, which is supported by the Leeds City Region Growth Deal.

This £1 billion investment package, delivered through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), aims to drive economic growth and job creation across the region.

For further updates on the Huddersfield Southern Corridor works, residents are encouraged to visit the Kirklees Council website.