Work has started on a major road improvement programme, set to improve journey times, reduce congestion and support active travel on and around one of the busiest routes in Calderdale.
The A646/A6033 Corridor Improvement Programme is being delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and aims to address long-standing issues with congestion, especially at peak times, and improve facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.
The first phase of work has now started in Todmorden town centre, with initial works focused around the Town Hall. Work involves junction remodelling to accommodate improved pedestrian facilities, as well as improvements to paving and bus stop facilities.
Specific works include:
- Relaying Water Street with stone setts and flags to complement the remainder of the street and partial pedestrianisation with restricted vehicular access during the daytime;
- A new zebra crossing on Halifax Road to the east of Bridge Street (and replacing the current Brook Street crossing) and a new signalised crossing from the Town Hall to the bottom of Ridge Road;
- Remodelling of the traffic islands around the Halifax Road/ Burnley Road/ Rochdale Road roundabout to improve entry and exit for vehicles;
- Realigning of the kerb line outside the Town Hall and repaving in Yorkshire stone.
These initial works should be completed by mid-June. Following this, further work will take place, including footway and side junction improvements between the Town Hall and Lidl supermarket, including a new signal crossing at Lidl. Improved bus passenger facilities will also be installed, including real time information at the bus station, as well as the relocation of a number of bus stops to allow for upgrades to waiting and information facilities.
Work to enhance the historical aspects of the town will also be carried out, including the relaying of streets around the Town Hall, including Bridge Street and Calder Street, with stone setts and flags and partial pedestrianisation to remove vehicles from the area during the daytime.
The work is programmed to continue until 2023 and temporary traffic lights are in place to allow the work to be carried out safely. To reduce disruption as much as possible, these will only be in operation when necessary and will be manned during peak hours. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.
A separate programme of works will also support work to deliver a ‘mobility hub’ in the town, including cycle parking, electric vehicle charging and a car club space at the railway station.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Strategy, Cllr Jane Scullion, said:
“The works being carried out in Todmorden are part of a wider programme of improvements which will transform this busy route and bring a number of benefits for those living, working or travelling in and around the upper Calder Valley.
“The improvements are initially focused around the Town Hall area and will not only improve accessibility but also enhance the heritage aspects of this historical area of the town centre.
“Work has been carefully planned to minimise disruption as much as possible and traffic management will be used only when necessary, as work moves around the town centre.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:
“It’s great to see work has started on these improvements, which will help transform travel around Todmorden by reducing journey times and congestion, while also making it easier for people to walk, cycle and use public transport.
“Improving our transport network and connecting more people with the places they need to go is at the heart of our work to make West Yorkshire an even better place to live, work and flourish.”
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, said:
“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Calderdale Council on this important scheme along one of the busiest routes in the district.”
More information about the programme and regular updates on work can be found at: https://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.
ENDS