How to drive round Halifax town centre when latest roadworks start
Advice for drivers has been issued ahead of a fresh set of roadworks set to start next month as a massive revamp of Halifax town centre continues.
Work on the second phase of the A629 Halifax town centre project will get underway in April following completion of phases at the top end of town, says Calderdale Council.
The next phase will focus on the bottom of town, with upgrades aimed at providing a better connection between Halifax Railway Station and the town centre, says the council.
There will be a new road and new routes aimed at improving traffic flow.
But while the regeneration work is being carried out, drivers are being urged to “plan ahead and allow more times for journeys around Halifax”.
A diversion will be in operation for those approaching Halifax from the south, which will take traffic away from the work zones and around the west – the top end – of town.
Temporary traffic lights and localised diversions will be in place to keep traffic moving around work areas, says the council.
Vehicles will only be able to travel southbound along Church Street during the work.
Access to New Road from South Parade, Church Street and Prescott Street will cease.
Blackledge will remain one-way, although there may be some temporary restrictions to access at the eastern entrance, and closures from May to September related to the summer season of concerts at The Piece Hall.
A diversion starts at the junction of the A629 and Shaw Hill and will direct traffic away from Shaw Hill, and around the A629 for town centre destinations.
Travel will be possible throughout the area and the four main work zones – these are as follows.
Lower Kirkgate: Routes through the area will remain open – temporary traffic lights will be in place around Halifax Minster and Matalan.
Square Road: Routes through the area will remain open – temporary lights will be in place to manage traffic passing through the junction at the bottom of Horton Street and Halifax Rail Station.
Alfred Street East and Square Road will shut for short periods during construction – Square Road will only close once the new section of road is open. Travel along Church Street will only be available southbound during work.
Charles Street and Smithy Street: Temporary traffic lights will be in place to manage traffic on Smithy Street – at a later stage, travel along Charles Street will be limited to northbound traffic only, with a diversion to maintain access for those who may have travelled southbound.
Church Street: Travel along Church Street will only be available southbound during the work.
Regarding footpaths, the council says: “Footways and crossings will be open during the work.
“There will be times when we need to close them for safety reasons.
“When we need to close footpaths, we will make sure there is still access to businesses and residential properties, and we will provide suitable diversions.
“Diversions will be signposted, and we’ll make it clear where to cross the road.
Regarding users of Halifax Railway Station, if driving, you will no longer be able to approach the rail station car park from Church Street.
This section of the road will be one-way during the works.
Other routes will remain open, says the council.
Some bus stops may be affected, closed, or temporarily moved.
“We work with local bus operators to make sure bus drivers and passengers are aware of any changes in advance and accessibility is maximised,” says the council.