Kirklees Council is asking for views on the £16m plans to improve the A638 between Dewsbury and Cleckheaton and Heckmondwike Bus Station.
The improvements stand as part of the Dewsbury-Cleckheaton Sustainable Travel Corridor and Heckmondwike Bus Station schemes.
Kirklees Council developed the schemes in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. The goal is to make it easier for people to travel by bus, walk and cycle.
What will the improvements include?
The A638 is a key route for the Kirklees transport network. The route connects communities to jobs, training, education and services in Dewsbury, Heckmondwike, Cleckheaton and beyond.
The improvements could include new and improved bus lanes, segregated cycle facilities, wider pavements and safer pedestrian crossings.
Plans to upgrade Heckmondwike Bus Station include a new building with indoor waiting facilities, cycle parking and adding two more bus stands.
A step towards a carbon neutral Kirklees
Cllr Peter McBride, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “These planned improvements will maximise sustainable transport options providing attractive and viable alternatives to driving in, out, and through the town centres. More people choosing to cycle rather than drive to the town centres will also have a positive impact on health and wellbeing.
“By upgrading these facilities there will be better links between communities, room for future growth in the area, and improved bus journey times. This will, in turn, improve the air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, helping us make further strides towards Kirklees becoming carbon neutral by 2030.”
“Much needed investment”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “In my manifesto, I committed to prioritising skills and training, improving public transport and helping tackle the climate emergency on our way to becoming a net zero carbon economy by 2038.
“Everyone in our region has something to give and this much-needed investment will connect more people in these communities with job, training and education opportunities.”
Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Transport Portfolio Holder for the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leader of Bradford Council, said: “We’re pleased to be working in partnership with Kirklees Council on these important schemes, which will make it easier for people to move around our region, and I would encourage everyone to make the most of this opportunity to shape these plans.”
These schemes are being delivered through the Leeds City Region Transforming Cities Fund programme, which is aimed at providing a viable alternative to car journeys.
Kirklees secured a total of more than £60 million from the Transforming Cities Fund, which will be used to deliver an ambitious programme of transport improvements across the district.
Have your say:
The public can share their views and thoughts through public consultation. The public consultation runs from Tuesday 13 July to Tuesday 17 August 2021.
To find out more information and to have your say visit the West Yorkshire Combined Authority website here.