'Cars hit by lorries and arguing in the street' as M62 diversion route still causing chaos for Calderdale residents

Some have reported cars being hit by HGVs and even people arguing in the street.

The Courier reported last month how roads on the diversion route are becoming “gridlocked” because lorries cannot get through ordinary roads when cars are parked up, and one man said the noise of wagons rattling past his house has been keeping him up all night.

The M62 is scheduled to be shut both eastbound and westbound between junctions 22 (Rockingstone Moss) and 24 (Ainley Top) every weeknight until the end of September.

The diversion sends eastbound traffic onto the A672, then the A58, then the A646, then the A629 and back onto the motorway. The westbound diversion route is the same but in the opposite order.

Ripponden and Sowerby Bridge are understood to be the worst hit areas.

One of the Ryburn ward councillors, Leah Webster (Independent) is asking MP for the area Josh Fenton-Glynn if more can be done to help residents.

She has already contacted Calderdale Council and National Highways to highlight the problems, and has shared their replies.

Extra signage has been placed to try and limit smaller roads being used “inappropriately” but the diversions still remain the same.

"My aim is to see whether this can be challenged at a national level, with a view to securing a long term solution that reduces the burden placed on residents living closest to the motorway,” she posted.

"Living near the M62 will always come with challenges, but residents deserve to see, a long-term coordinated effort from all partners, to limit unnecessary impact wherever possible.”

In its reply to Coun Webster, Calderdale Council said it has been told that National Highways has “explored every option available regarding how to undertake these works safely and with as little impact as possible” but, to complete the central section of the parapet replacement, it is deemed necessary to close the road and divert traffic.

It has also said: “Calderdale does have particular challenges when identifying suitable diversion routes due to the geography of the area and the nature of the local road network.

"There are a number of back roads and single-track lanes which are not suitable for the volume or size of traffic that would be diverted from the motorway.

“It is a requirement that any diversion must be suitable for all road users, including HGVs, which inevitably limits the number of suitable alternative routes available.

"We have raised concerns regarding vehicles using unsuitable routes with National Highways who have confirmed they will install additional signage to discourage drivers from using alternative routes.

"They have also advised that they will continue to drive the diversion route themselves to identify any issues and establish whether any further measures are required.”

The reply from National Highways said: “We know the additional traffic from the M62 closures is unfortunately likely to lead to overnight noise and disruption, and have been in touch with affected residents and businesses to provide as much advance notice as possible.

"We have been in regular meetings with Calderdale Council and Kirklees Council ahead of the start of the works, and have done our best to ensure the diversion route through Sowerby Bridge and Halifax is suitable for all vehicles, including HGVs.

"As well as being National Highways’ diversion route for unplanned events, this route takes into account height and weight restrictions, and avoids roads with low bridges, such as the railway bridge on A6026 Wakefield Road.

"To help keep traffic moving, we’ve also installed extra signage along the diversion to discourage double parking, especially where the route passes through residential streets.

"We’ll continue to monitor the situation closely and work with our partners to take any further steps needed to keep traffic flowing smoothly and safely throughout the works.”