Key Kirklees travel routes are benefitting from a multi-million pound cash boost, with work getting underway this month.
Kirklees Council secured over £60m from the Transforming Cities Fund, which will be used to deliver an ambitious programme of transport improvements. The aim is to make it easier for people to walk, cycle and use public transport while connecting communities to more jobs, training and education opportunities. “Short-term” disruption is expected while works are carried out.
On Monday (July 14), work began on the A638 Dewsbury to Cleckheaton Sustainable Travel Corridor. The scheme places a focus on pedestrian safety with new controlled crossings. Better public transport provision also comes as part of the scheme, with a new bus lane on Bradford Road to improve reliability and make public transport a more convenient and attractive alternative to driving.
In addition, improvements are already underway on the Spen Valley Greenway to enhance accessibility, surface quality, lighting, signage and safety along the route.
Later, the first phase of the Huddersfield Rail Station Connections scheme will begin in Huddersfield town centre which is set to improve links between the town’s rail and bus stations, and support more efficient journeys. It will see transformations for traffic-heavy Northumberland Street, Trinity Street and St John’s Road, where ‘high-quality’ paving, wider footways and improved cycle infrastructure will be introduced.
Once completed, the council says that Huddersfield town centre will benefit from improved traffic flow while prioritising pedestrians and inclusive access.
Councillor Moses Crook, Deputy Leader of the council and Cabinet Member for Housing and Transport said: “It’s great to see the spades in the ground for these really important transport schemes.
“We understand that there will be short term disruption, but once completed, both schemes are set to have lasting positive impacts, opening up better access to more education, employment and training opportunities across Kirklees and beyond.
“The works in Dewsbury and Huddersfield will be carried out with minimum disruption and I’d like to encourage people to continue to visit our town centres and support our fantastic independent businesses.”
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “We are investing millions to ensure people can get around West Yorkshire easily and safely – however they choose to. These schemes will improve key transport routes across Kirklees, linking more people with opportunities.
“I look forward to seeing them progress as we continue to build a better-connected region that works for everyone.”
The schemes form part of the council’s wider vision to create healthy, vibrant town centres where people can live, work and relax. They sit alongside other major investments including those in Dewsbury and Huddersfield bus stations, the Transpennine Route Upgrade, Our Cultural Heart, the George Hotel scheme and the refurbishment of historic markets in Huddersfield and Dewsbury.
Details around traffic management is available online at: https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/transport-schemes
