Calderdale Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority are asking for people’s views on updated proposals for 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 reduce journey times for everyone who travels along this route 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.
Following feedback collected as part of the last public consultation on the scheme in July 2021, and further design development since then, some of the proposals have now changed. To support the further development of the scheme, people are now being asked to have their say on the final proposed plans.
The updated proposals for the scheme can be viewed at https://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/a629n(external link) where people can also have their say.
Some of the key parts of the plans, include:
- Whitehill Road becoming one way only westbound, off the A629 at Wrigley Hill, Illingworth.
- New pedestrian crossings along the route.
- Bus priority technology at signals along this section of the A629.
- 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).
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Active Travel and Housing, Cllr Scott Patient, said:
“We want to better connect communities in the north of Halifax with the town centre, making improvements to make it easier and safer to travel by more sustainable transport, such as taking the bus, walking, or cycling.
“We’ve listened to people’s thoughts about the initial proposals and have made some changes to the plans to reflect this feedback. We’re now asking people to let us know what they think about the latest proposals to help shape final plans.
“By improving access to the town centre on foot, by cycle or on public transport, it’s also making job, education and leisure opportunities more accessible and supporting our three Council priorities of creating thriving towns and places, reducing inequalities and tackling the climate emergency.”
Cllr Peter Carlill, Deputy Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, said:
“This scheme will provide a multi-million-pound investment to enhance walking, cycling and bus routes from north Halifax to the town centre, as well as improving safety on the roads.“When finished, it will provide better access to opportunities, bringing long-term benefits to communities.
“I’d urge everybody to have their say on these latest proposals which will help us build a better-connected region that works for all.”
To help people understand the plans in more detail, a series of in person and online webinar events will be held, where the project team will be on hand to discuss the proposals and answer any questions. To find out more about these sessions and to register attendance, visit https://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/a629n(external link)
To request the information in an alternative format you can:
- Email yourvoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk
- Phone MetroLine on 0113 245 7676
- Write to Freepost CONSULTATION TEAM WYCA
The deadline to comment on the plans is Tuesday 5 December 2023.
The ‘A629 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 and Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to accelerate growth and create jobs across Leeds City Region.
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)
The Next Chapter supports the Vision2024 for Calderdale. In the year 2024, Calderdale will celebrate its 50th birthday. Where do we want to be by 2024? Get involved by visiting www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision
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