By KLTV Newsdesk –
Plans to improve the A629 between Huddersfield Ring Road and Ainley Top have been submitted by Kirklees Council.
The planning application requests permission to improve and widen the A629 and will be open to comments from the public in the coming weeks.
Listed works include junction improvements, re-positioning of footways, new pedestrian crossings, and replacement of street lighting, as well as changing the use of land to ‘highway’ and creating residential permit holder car parking at Edgerton Cemetery and land adjoining 103 Halifax Road.
Kirklees Council says the scheme is part of a wider package of improvements along the A629 between Huddersfield and Halifax.
They are working in partnership with Calderdale Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, with funding from the West Yorkshire plus transport fund.
As part of the works, there are plans to plant over 700 trees to create a significant new woodland at Ainley Top and replace any trees felled during development work.
The ultimate aim of the scheme is to improve access to Halifax and Huddersfield from the M62 and help improve bus journeys between the towns.
New cycle and pedestrian routes are also set to be implemented, which the council says will make it safe to take part in more active travel to and from places and along the route.
Environmentally Friendly
The council hopes that the combined impact of the above measures will lead to reduced congestion and emissions, which in turn will hopefully provide a cleaner and more environmentally friendly road system, and contribute to their climate emergency ambitions.
As the plans have just been submitted, there is currently no word on when the works would be expected to start or eventually finish.
Consultation is planned with the public able to make comments on the plans in the next few weeks.
‘Comprehensive Improvements’
Councillor Peter McBride, Cabinet Member for Regeneration said: “This is an important road improvement scheme which will help reduce congestion, speed up journey times and reduce air pollution.
“The wider scheme which is being developed in partnership with Calderdale Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority includes comprehensive improvements to cycling and public transport, including two individual cycle routes that connect residential areas either side the A629 corridor and rail stations in Huddersfield and Halifax providing for longer more sustainable journeys.
Councillor Kim Groves, West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, said: “Our vision for transport goes beyond getting people from A to B. It’s about getting all of us – our people, our communities, our businesses – to where we want to be as a region efficiently and safely.”
More details can be seen on the council’s website.
Below is the full schedule for the scheme
Date | Activity |
---|---|
December 2017 | Cabinet Report – WYTF Update. |
January 2018 | Landowners informed about the proposals. |
January 2018 | Outline business case submitted to West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) for approval. |
March 2018 | Outline business case approved by WYCA. |
June/August 2018 | Public engagement completed. |
May 2021 | Full business case to be submitted to WYCA for approval. |
June 2021 | Planning application submitted. |
October 2021 | Decision anticipated on planning application. |
October 2021 | Decision expected from WYCA on full business case approval. |
January 2022 | Anticipated construction start date. A more detailed update will be provided in January. |