Plan to ease roadwork hell during second phase of flood scheme build

Calderdale Council and the Environment Agency have joined forces to help minimise disruption to traffic in the Upper Valley whilst further essential flood defence work is carried out to protect 400 homes and businesses.

The second phase of work for the Mytholmroyd Flood Alleviation Scheme is due to start in early April and the flow of traffic needs to be controlled to protect both the workforce and pedestrians.

These will be in place for the duration of the construction of the flood defence scheme, developed by the Environment Agency in partnership with Calderdale Council, the local community, and partners. The scheme is expected to be completed by winter 2019 / 2020.

Helen Batt, Calder catchment director for the Environment Agency, said: “We thank everyone for their understanding while the traffic management is in place on this main route through the Calder Valley as we carry out these flood defence works in Mytholmroyd.

“Due to the vital nature of this work to protect properties in the village from flooding, unfortunately this is unavoidable.

“We are working closely with highways managers at Calderdale Council to try and keep the impact of these essential works to a minimum. To try and avoid congestion we urge motorists to plan their journeys ahead, listen to local traffic reports and think of alternative modes of transport where possible if travel is required at peak times.”

The Council is calling on local people to help reduce traffic levels and air pollution by car sharing, avoiding unnecessary journeys and switching to public transport, cycling or walking where possible.

Cllr Barry Collins, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Strategy, said: “Following the devastating impacts of the 2015 floods, the Mytholmroyd Flood Alleviation Scheme is vital to improve protection for homes and businesses in the area.

“We have listened to local people’s feedback from the first phase of work, and are working with the Environment Agency to do all we can to ensure traffic flows more smoothly in the next phase.”

To encourage the use of public transport, a code for a free Halifax, Calder Valley and Huddersfield day mobile ticket, worth £4.10, was sent to homes in Calderdale this month.

Northern Rail has arranged an extra stop on the 17.18 train from Leeds to Manchester Victoria, which calls at Bradford Interchange (17.41), Halifax (17.53) and now Mytholmroyd (18.04). A similar arrangement is being considered for a morning train to Leeds subject to train and line capacity.

Motorists are advised to follow updates on the scheme and plan their journeys carefully. Live travel information and up-to-date details on planned roadworks are available on https://roadworks.org and regular updates on the Mytholmroyd Flood Alleviation Scheme can be found online at www.eyeoncalderdale.com and in print at various locations throughout the village.

Vital works to be completed as part of the scheme include construction of new, raised and improved flood walls, widening of the river channel at key locations and waterproofing of buildings next to the river.

During the next stage of the scheme, drainage improvements will be made along Burnley Road to reduce the risk of surface water flooding.

The design and construction are being carried out by main contractor VBA, a joint venture consisting of VolkerStevin, Boskalis Westminster and SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins business.

The Environment Agency and VBA are hosting an open day on Thursday March 22 to showcase the construction programme, methodology and works in each area and answer any questions from residents and businesses about the scheme.