Several major transport schemes across Kirklees are nearing completion, with councillors set to receive an update on projects worth millions of pounds aimed at improving roads, public transport, walking and cycling routes.
A report to Kirklees Council’s Growth and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel, which meets on Monday, 16 November 2026, provides an annual update on the authority’s major transport capital schemes.
The report highlights the council’s “ambitious” programme of transport investment, predominantly funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA).
The Kirklees Transport Capital Programme includes a range of projects that undergo “regular review” to ensure they remain affordable.
According to the report, some schemes exceed their initial indicative funding allocations, meaning other projects may need to be deprioritised or paused until funding becomes available.
Financial pressures previously led to Phases 4 and 5 of the A629 Halifax Road scheme being paused indefinitely in November 2022. A revised version of Phase 5 has since been completed, although Phase 4 remains on hold.
The wider A629 scheme aims to ease congestion and reduce journey times between Ainley Top roundabout and Huddersfield Ring Road.
Several other projects have already been completed, including Heckmondwike Bus Station, the Holmfirth Town Centre Access Plan, improvements along Huddersfield Broad Canal and the Huddersfield Southern Corridor scheme at Folly Hall and Lockwood Junction.
Major transport projects underway across Kirklees
The council report outlines the progress, expected costs and completion dates of several schemes currently being delivered.
Huddersfield Rail Station Connections – £11.28m
The scheme will introduce new walking and cycling links across Huddersfield Ring Road and through the town centre.
The council says work has faced challenges due to its location and proximity to construction associated with the TransPennine Route Upgrade (TRU) and other town centre regeneration projects.
Despite these difficulties, construction is nearing completion, with work expected to finish during winter 2026/27.
Huddersfield Bus Station – £8.5m
Improvements include upgraded public spaces surrounding the bus station, a new cycle hub and a canopy on the building.
The project is being developed alongside WYCA, which is delivering wider improvements to the bus station. The overall scheme is expected to cost around £28m.
Construction of the canopy and surrounding public realm began in summer 2026, with completion scheduled for summer 2027.
Huddersfield Narrow Canal – £1.497m
The third phase of improvements focuses on making the route between Slaithwaite and Marsden more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.
Initial improvements have already been delivered, while three additional access points are expected to be completed shortly.
Dewsbury walking and cycling – £15.685m
The scheme aims to improve walking and cycling facilities around Dewsbury Ring Road and the town centre.
Work covers four key areas: Railway Street and Asda Bridge, Battye Street, Aldams Road, and Link Road/Long Causeway.
Construction is underway, with improvements at Bradford Road Junction and Battye Street already completed. The remaining sections are scheduled for completion in summer 2027.
Dewsbury–Batley–Chidswell Travel Corridor – £10m
The project aims to provide 2km of cycle links between Dewsbury and Chidswell via Batley.
However, the council says the Grange Road section has been removed from the scheme due to affordability pressures, leaving the Bradford Road section to be delivered.
Work is progressing through Kirklees Council Highways and a private contractor, with completion expected in spring 2027.
A638 Dewsbury to Cleckheaton – £17.56m
This scheme seeks to improve cycling connections between Dewsbury and Cleckheaton while reducing bus journey times and increasing road network capacity.
Improvements to the Spen Valley Greenway section, including a bus lane, cycle lanes and a crossing at Market Street, have been completed.
The remaining work is expected to finish in spring 2027.
Brunswick Street Footpath Improvements – £510,000
The project will improve pedestrian, cycling and wheeling access to Huddersfield Railway Station.
Plans include removing existing steps, installing a ramp, widening the footway to three metres and introducing new street lighting.
Construction is underway, with completion expected in early 2027.
Future transport projects in development
The report also identifies several schemes being developed, including major rail investment, junction improvements and new walking and cycling routes.
Penistone Line – £47.9m
The Government has awarded Kirklees Council £47.9m for the first phase of improvements towards the longer-term ambition of providing two trains per hour along the Penistone Line between Huddersfield and South Yorkshire.
An Outline Business Case was submitted at the end of March 2026, and the council is awaiting a decision on whether the proposals can progress.
Cooper Bridge Improvement Scheme
The existing A62/A644 Cooper Bridge junction experiences severe congestion during peak periods, according to the council report.
The first phase aims to increase road capacity, introduce bus priority measures and improve walking and cycling facilities.
A contractor is expected to be appointed in spring 2027, with construction scheduled to begin towards the end of 2028.
The overall scheme is expected to be completed in late 2030.
Huddersfield Rail Station Gateway – £500,000
The project aims to regenerate the area surrounding Huddersfield Railway Station, including St George’s Warehouse, the George Hotel, Estate Buildings and St George’s Square.
The council hopes the scheme will maximise the regeneration benefits of the TransPennine Route Upgrade, attract further investment and improve connections between public transport, walking, cycling and private vehicles.
A business case is expected to be submitted in spring 2027.
Mill Street West Toucan Crossing – £600,000
The proposed crossing will improve facilities for pedestrians and cyclists while connecting to a National Cycle Network route and cycling infrastructure being delivered through the Dewsbury walking and cycling scheme.
A Business Justification Case is expected to be submitted in spring or summer 2027.
Meltham Greenway Phase 3 – £1.7m
Plans are being developed for a new 755-metre accessible route between the Crosland Factory Lane picnic site and the Fold Farm housing development.
The proposed path will accommodate walking, wheeling and cycling, with the council hoping to secure approval in 2027.
The transport programme will remain subject to affordability reviews, with the council continuing to assess which schemes can progress within available funding.
