Is the A646 still shut: Estimated opening date announced after huge hole closes one of Calderdale's busiest roads

As reported by the Courier, the A646 Halifax Road was shut on Tuesday after a huge hole was discovered.

Yorkshire Water says the damage has been caused by a leak and repair work will be carried out.

The estimated date for reopening is Saturday, February 21 – but the utility firm has warned “this can be impacted by multiple factors, including the weather and ground conditions, and may move”.

The road – one of the busiest in Calderdale – is closed between the junction with Stoodley Glen, on the Todmorden side, and the lay-by outside the property known as Rivendell, on the Hebden Bridge side.

Yorkshire Water says the closure is necessary for the safety of residents, road users, and the team who will be working at the site.

The signed diversion route is via the A6033 through Littleborough, Blackstone Edge, Cragg Road, and into Mytholmroyd.

Yorkshire Water is working with Calderdale Council to provide a daily shuttle service between Todmorden and the closure point, running between 7am and 7pm and operated by Elite Minibuses. Pedestrian access is maintained.

A Yorkshire Water spokesperson said: “We understand just how disruptive this closure has been and will continue to be and would like to apologise for this.

"This comes just over a year after a previous road closure due to a sewer collapse, so we understand that there may be some additional frustration from those living and working in the area, and would like to assure everyone that it is an absolute priority for us to complete this work quickly, so that we can return things to normal for everyone.”

Yorkshire Water says it will do all it can to meet the estimated reopening date but if work is delayed, it will provide updates “as soon as possible”.

"We’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding,” added the spokesperson.

A sinkhole caused by a collapsed sewer shut the same road from the end of 2024 for several weeks, to the dismay of businesses in both towns who saw a significant drop in footfall for the duration of the road closure.

Concerned traders fear the same could happen again this time.

Hebden Royd Business Forum Committee has posted: “Please don’t assume Hebden is shut – our independent shops, cafés and bars are all open, trading and ready to welcome you.

"For our small businesses, a road closure like this isn’t just an inconvenience, it has a real negative impact.

"Fewer passing visitors means quieter tills, and after an already tough start to the year, that’s hard.

"So this is a gentle call to our lovely locals. If you’ve been meaning to pop into town for a coffee, a browse, a card, a haircut, a loaf of bread, a pint, now would be a brilliant time.

“Every small purchase, every visit, every share makes a difference.

"You have always shown up for your independents when everything has been against them and right now they really do need you!”