Feedback from local people and organisations is being used to help shape a series of planned improvements stretching from Halifax town centre to communities in the north of the town.
The A629 north project is focused on improvements between Orange Street roundabout in the town centre, to Ogden in north Halifax, including Lee Mount, Ovenden and Illingworth. It aims to deliver benefits for all road users with an emphasis on reducing journey times and make walking and cycling easier and safer. This scheme is being developed through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Levelling Up Fund programme, in partnership with Calderdale Council.
Key parts of the plans include:
- Bus priority technology at signals along this section of the A629 at key junctions on the route, improving bus journey times and reliability.
- Limiting access to Whitehill Road from the A629 at Wrigley Hill, Illingworth, by making a small part of the road at the junction, one way only westbound.
- New pedestrian crossings along the route.
- Improvements for cyclists and pedestrians on Old Lane, including lighting improvements and speed calming measures.
- Upgrades to paths, signage and lighting leading to the Orange Street roundabout (including new CCTV provision).
It forms part of the Combined Authority’s wider Levelling Up Fund bid – a package of two corridor schemes prioritising bus journeys and a bus journeys improvement package which includes safety, accessibility and environmental improvements at bus stations, bus stops and bus hotspots (where buses might be delayed).
In late 2023, people were invited to have their say on the latest plans for the A629 north project, through online and paper surveys, at in-person and online events and at sessions with local interested organisations, such as disability groups and cycling forums.
Feedback for the proposals was generally positive, with particular support for pedestrian safety improvements, including those proposed at Orange Street roundabout, Keighley Road and Whitehill Road. Responses noted the current difficulties for pedestrians on these routes and how proposals would make crossing these busy roads easier and safer.
The results from the consultation and their subsequent analysis will inform the next steps in the development of the scheme. Final plans are due to be submitted to the Combined Authority this spring, and if successful, work on the project could begin later this year.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Active Travel and Housing, Cllr Scott Patient, said:
“The proposals for the A629 north project are focused on improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists and supporting better connections for people to access leisure and employment opportunities.
“It’s so important that we can hear from local people as we develop projects like this, so we can better understand how the scheme can bring benefits which will make a real difference to local communities.
“Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts and suggestions. They will be really useful as we develop the final designs.”
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said:
“Local people are vital in helping us shape projects like this.
“We will continue to listen to our communities as we look to make it easier to walk, wheel, cycle and use public transport across the region.
“This scheme will transform travel in and around Halifax to help us build a better-connected West Yorkshire.”
The ‘A629 north – Orange Street roundabout to Ogden’ project has received funding through the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund, and the Leeds City Region Growth Deal – a £1 billion package of Government investment through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
The project has also received funding from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. In 2023, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority was awarded £41.3 million from round two of the Government’s Levelling Up Fund which will build on the significant investment already being made in making it easier for people to walk, cycle and use public transport around West Yorkshire.
The project is part of the Next Chapter work to enable economic growth, reduce inequalities and build a sustainable future. For more information about this and other exciting developments in Calderdale, visit www.calderdalenextchapter.co.uk(external link)