A629 work moves into overdrive
BRIDGE-BUILDING PHASE
INVESTIGATION and site preparation work for the next phase of the multimillion pound A629 project will mean some temporary lane closures, Calderdale Council says.
This complex phase of the A629 project, which is believed to be the largest individual civil engineering project ever undertaken by the council, focuses on the key areas of Huddersfield Road, Stainland Road and Wakefield Road, Halifax.
A new link road will be created via a bridge spanning the Calder and Hebble Navigation to a roundabout on Stainland Road.
The project will include routes for pedestrians and cyclists, a section of new northbound bus lane on Stainland Road, a new signal-controlled junction at the interchange of the A629 and Jubilee Road and an improved approach lane.
Landscaping along Stainland Road, additional access points to the canal tow path and creation of a new wetland habitat will also take place, with work being carried out by contractor John Sisk and Son.
The scheme, fully funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority through the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund, is part of ongoing £120 million works to improve the major route which links Halifax with the M62, at Ainley Top and Huddersfield.
Investigation and site preparation work is taking place through March but, as it will be carried out next to the highway, it will be necessary to introduce temporary lane closures along Elland Wood Bottom, Huddersfield Road and Stainland Road for the safety of the workforce, says the council.
To avoid disruption as much as possible, these closures will take place between 8pm and 5am. Some traffic management may also need to be introduced, but every effort will be taken to minimise disruption.
This pre-construction phase will allow work to fully start on site in late summer this year, with full completion of the phase due in 2023, said the council’s Cabinet member for Regeneration and Strategy, Coun Jane Scullion (Lab, Luddenden Foot).
She said: “This phase of the project will see the area around the junction completely transformed.
“This includes the addition of a new link road via a newly created bridge, as well as junction improvements.
“The landscape around the area will also be improved with the demolition of the derelict former Punchbowl pub, making a real difference to the gateway to Halifax. Planting and landscaping will also take place on land north of the new bridge site.”