Work is progressing as part of a major road improvement programme which is set to improve journey times, reduce congestion and support active travel.
The A646/A6033 and the A58/A672 Corridor Improvement Programme is being delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. It aims to address long-standing issues with congestion, especially at peak times, and improve facilities for pedestrians and cyclists on and around some of the busiest routes in Calderdale.
Work started earlier this year in the Todmorden area to accommodate improved pedestrian facilities, junction improvements and improvements to paving and bus stop facilities. A new puffin crossing has also been installed on Halifax Road.
Further work in the town is now scheduled from week beginning Monday 24 October, with a programme of resurfacing taking place on Halifax Road and Burnley Road in the town centre.
Traffic lights will be in place throughout the week during the day, and to complete this work as quickly as possible, overnight road closures will be in place on Halifax Road, outside Lidl, from 11pm on Wednesday 26 October 2022 until 6.30am on Thursday 27 October. The works on Burnley Road will be completed under traffic management.
Diversions will be in place throughout the closure period, but these will be lengthy, so motorists travelling at these times are advised to plan alternative routes or allow extra time for their journey. Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times.
These improvements are part of the Corridor Improvement Programme which will eventually stretch from Todmorden all the way to Skircoat Moor along the A646/A6033.
A further programme of work is also scheduled along the A58/A672 from Junction 22 of the M62 to King Cross in Halifax. The next steps in this programme will involve the demolition of the former Sowerby Bridge Market. This is due to start on Monday 17 October and should take around three weeks to complete.
During these works, the market and a working space behind will be cordoned off. The nearby car park and public toilets will still be accessible, however there will be no public access from the car park through the market site and onto Wharf Street while the works are in progress. Notices will be on site and surrounding businesses have been informed.
Once demolition works are complete, the space will be transformed into a welcoming community space, which in future can be used for events.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Towns, Engagement and Public Health, Cllr Sarah Courtney, said:
“The routes which are being improved as part of the Corridor Improvement Programme are busy and suffer from congestion, particularly at peak times. Once complete, the programme will transform travel and bring a number of benefits for those living, working or travelling along these roads.
“Work is progressing well, particularly in Todmorden where improvements can already be seen around the town, enhancing the heritage aspects of this area and improving road junctions and pedestrian facilities.
“As further work takes place, both in Todmorden and to demolish the former Sowerby Bridge market, we’re doing all we can to minimise disruption as much as possible. This includes scheduling the closures for the work in Todmorden at times when we know the roads are quieter and maintaining access to car parking facilities in Sowerby Bridge whilst demolition works take place.”
More information about the programme and regular updates on work can be found at: www.calderdalenextchapter.co.uk/projects/a58a672-and-a646a6033-improvements(external link)
The 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 Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), delivered by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to accelerate growth and create jobs across Leeds City Region.