Next phase of improving journey times and reducing crashes on two major Calderdale roads

Calderdale Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority are developing a series of improvements to the road network along the A58 / A672 from Junction 22 of the M62 to King Cross in Halifax and the A646 / A6033 from Todmorden to Skircoat Moor.

The two projects have received funding through the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund and the Leeds City Region Growth Deal – a £1 billion package of Government investment through the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), delivered by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to accelerate growth and create jobs across Leeds City Region.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Resources, Councillor Jane Scullion, said: “The proposed corridor improvement programme along these busy routes would bring real economic, social and environmental benefits. By improving journey times and investing in active travel infrastructure we hope to make travelling by active modes or by bus more attractive options thereby reducing private vehicle usage.

“Work is taking place to agree the purchase of the land required for the scheme, and further consultation on proposals is planned to ensure they properly address the key issues on these roads.”

The latest plans, which have been updated following public consultation events earlier this year, include proposals for additional pedestrian facilities and links to the CityConnect canal towpath.

Plans also include car park facilities to reduce on-street parking; improvements to reduce journey times, particularly for buses; and a number of safety improvements to reduce the number of accidents and collisions.

The vast majority of the land required to deliver these improvements is already in the ownership of the Council. However, several small pockets of additional land are required to ensure the scheme delivers the greatest possible impacts.

Negotiations are currently underway with the landowners of these sites and discussions have largely been positive. However, to ensure the plans for the project and associated benefits can go ahead, members of Cabinet are now being asked to approve the use of a Compulsory Purchase Order.

Compulsory purchase powers would only be used as a last resort, as efforts will continue to negotiate land purchase settlements.

The proposals will be discussed at the meeting of Calderdale Council’s Cabinet on Monday April 27. The meeting will be held virtually from 6pm and will be live streamed through the Council’s YouTube channel.