By KLTV Newsdesk –
Kirklees Council has announced the next stage of its Huddersfield ‘Better Connected Stations’ scheme is set to go ahead, and will involve an update to the area between the bus and railway stations.
What’s Changing?
When complete the scheme aims to make the area between the bus station and the railway station much safer and more pleasant for town residents.
The Council says the project will deliver widened pavements for visitors, new cycle paths and an improved urban environment for visitors and residents with better street lighting, road surfaces and crossings to link the two transport hubs in Huddersfield.
The investment is funded through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s bid for the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund and is said to be part of a larger investment in updating the road designs to find a better balance between those travelling on foot and by bike, and those using a motor vehicle.
Full details on the scheme can be found here.
Roadworks and Traffic Diversions
It has been confirmed that roadwork disruption will likely occur during the construction and completion of the project.
The council says they are working to limit disruption by making some temporary changes to the flow of traffic in the area around Westgate.
As works take place on Westgate, traffic travelling towards the town centre will be diverted via Upperhead Row, George Street, Sergeantson Street, Fox Street, Market Street and back onto Westgate.
The diversion will be in place from 21 February until 18 May 2020.
To facilitate the changes, the bus gate cameras on Market Street will be temporarily suspended for the duration of the works.
Once the works are completed and the usual movement of traffic reinstated, the cameras will be switched back on.
‘High-Quality Connections’
Cllr Peter McBride, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “I’m pleased that we are making progress on these important improvements to Huddersfield town centre
“Once complete, the connection between the railway station and bus station will be hugely improved and will be safer and more pleasant for everyone, including cyclists and pedestrians.
“A modern town centre needs high-quality connections between all forms of public transport.
“It also needs to look after the interests of people who are travelling on foot or by bicycle. That’s exactly what this scheme will give residents, business and visitors.
“I would like to thank local businesses and residents for their patience during the upcoming period of unavoidable disruption whilst we make these important improvements.”