By KLTV Newsdesk –
A new plan to tackle congestion, long journey times and poor air quality on the A62 and A644 in the Cooper Bridge area has been unveiled.
In December 2018, Kirklees Council asked the public for their views on plans to relieve congestion in the Cooper Bridge area by constructing a new link road between the A62 and A644 (Wakefield Road).
Since that time, the council declared a climate emergency, and many plans have shifted as a result.
Now, none of the new road options include a link road, instead, the council says they are aiming to enhance the existing network by improving Cooper Bridge and Bradley junctions.
The council is now sharing details of its preferred option with the public and asking for their views.
The consultation period will run from 7 June to 18 July 2021. The plans are now available for review and comment.
While there will be no drop-in events hosted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the council says they will be hosting a live webinar on their YouTube channel, 23 June at 5:30 pm.
The new plan for cooper bridge is said to form part of a bigger programme of road changes across Kirklees and is funded through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund.
Artist impression of what Oak Road might look like
‘Environmental Concerns’
Councillor Peter McBride, Cabinet Member for Regeneration said: “Whilst there was support for the link road options during our public engagement in late 2018 / early 2019, there was were also some concerns raised about the environmental impacts of the options, particularly on the ancient woodland and tree loss in general.”
“We believe that our new proposal will reduce congestion and improve air quality now and will ensure that this area is able to cope with natural growth and development needs in the future.”
“Over the next few years, we will see a significant investment in some of the busiest roads in Kirklees. Together these schemes can make the changes that people have been asking for, for a long time.”
Artist impression of what a section of the A62 near Bradley Post Office may look like
‘Important Gateway’
Councillor Denise Jeffery, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Investment Committee, said “The latest consultation is an opportunity for people to offer views on the proposals which have been developed and updated since the last public engagement, with a view to reducing the scheme’s carbon footprint.
“The Cooper Bridge junction is one of the most important gateways into Kirklees and this scheme will better connect local residents to employment and leisure opportunities across West Yorkshire and beyond, boosting the local economy. The proposed road developments will also see congestion eased and local air quality significantly improved.
“I would encourage as many local people as possible to get involved in the latest public consultation as it is vitally important that we get the views from those that the scheme is going to affect the most.”
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