Go-ahead for next phase in revamp of link road

PLANS FOR the next phase of a multi-million pound scheme to improve the main route between two West Yorkshire towns have been given the go-ahead.

Councillors cited the benefits for those using the A629 between Halifax and Huddersfield as well as the way officers had considered the mitigating the loss of ancient woodland nearby.

Calderdale Council’s Planning Committee was also reminded of the need to think about cyclists and pedestrians when considering any highways investment.

The latest proposals include transforming the A629 Huddersfield Road and B6112 Stainland Road corridor, creating a new roundabout on the B6112 and improving the A6026 Wakefield Road junction, including building a new road bridge over the Calder and Hebble Navigation.

It will involve realigning and widening of carriageways, new signal-controlled road junctions, footways, cycleways, bus stops, retaining walls, a suds basin and landscaping.

Proposing approval of the scheme, Coun David Kirton said: “This will be a major benefit to our link road between Calderdale and Huddersfield, and in particular Calderdale and this area.”

Coun Jenny Lynn said the creative approach by officers to solving issues and achieving goals had resulted in a scheme she could support.

She highlighted being able to alleviate the loss of a small portion of ancient woodland at Elland Wood by developing and managing a woodland site at nearby council-owned North Dean Woods, near Greetland.

“There are a number of features in this plan that support our objectives – and this week Government objectives – to get people on their bike and the rest of it,” she added.