Big changes planned on pair of major highways
THE DESIRE to iron out “pinch points” on key highways running the length of the Calder and Ryburn valleys are likely to carry more weight than some concerns raised over multi-million pound schemes.
Calderdale Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority are planning big changes along the A58/A672 from Junction 22 of the M62 to King Cross in Halifax, and the A646/ A6033 from Todmorden to Skircoat Moor, also at Halifax.
On Monday, April 27, Calderdale Council Cabinet members will be asked to approve compulsory purchase powers for land required for the scheme, in case they are required if other negotiations fail.
But the report also gives indication – not totally set in stone as all designs will be reviewed before finalisation – of how issues raised by the public, businesses and councillors through consultation are likely to be addressed.
Councillors are told extra or improved pedestrian crossings, improving bus reliability by removing “pinch points”, improving connectivity to rail stations and getting travellers out of their cars and onto public transport or their cycles, underpin the schemes.
In particular, despite protests, removing parking along Burnley Road as it winds out of Hebden Bridge to Mytholmroyd is likely to happen on the grounds it will improve peak time traffic flow, reducing congestion, boosting economic connectivity and improving air quality – it is also hazardous for other road users such as cyclists, says the report.
A new controlled car park at Stubbing Holme, Hebden Bridge, and an extra 44 spaces at Hebden Bridge Railway Station, in addition to a further 200 expected to be provided at Mytholmroyd, should address concerns raised that removing
Cabinet will consider the CPO issue when it meets in virtual form and available on the council’s YouTube channel.
The two projects have 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
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