FAQ
- Widening of the A644 Wakefield Road and part of the A62 Leeds Road
- Construction of a new link road between A644 Wakefield Road and Bradley junction
- Significant highway changes at the Cooper Bridge junction
- Changes to Bradley junction and Oak Road, including addition access on to the new link road
- Construction of a new roundabout on the A644 Wakefield Road to provide access to the new link road
- Construction of a new roundabout on the link road to provide access to the landfill site and the proposed Bradley Park housing development
- Provision of new cycle lanes and pedestrian footways along Cooper Bridge Road, A62 Leeds Road, the Cooper Bridge junction and A644 Wakefield Road
- Relieve congestion and improve journey times
- Reduce the potential for accidents
- Improve air quality
- Improve conditions for local residents and businesses
- Improve conditions for cyclists and pedestrians
- Improve bus reliability and services
- Enable access to land for new housing and employment developments.
What is the proposed scheme concept?
The A62/A644 Link Road concept will be a series of highways improvements to Wakefield Road and Leeds Road in addition of a brand new link road which will be specifically designed to improve traffic flow around the Cooper Bridge roundabout, including providing better access to Huddersfield and the M62.
Why do we need to do something?
The Council has a statutory duty under the Traffic Management Act to consider options that improve traffic flow. The Cooper Bridge junction is one of the key routes into Huddersfield; and to and from the M62, Dewsbury and, our closest city, Leeds. This area is one of the busiest in the district for all types of transport and there's no room to accomodate more traffic unless we make changes. The existing road network is unable to cope at peak times, which is leading to significant delays and congestion. Add the current issues to the estimated natural growth and future development needs and it becomes clear that something needs to be done.
What will the scheme involve?
At this stage, we are considering three potential options and we are seeking views on those options. There has been no decision made on any final details, however the current concept is that the scheme will involve the following:
What will the scheme achieve?
The main benefits of the scheme will be to:
Who is paying for the scheme? Where is the money coming from?
The project is to be funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Following this engagement Kirklees Council has to identify a preferred option and submit a business case to the Combined Authority for their approval for the scheme to proceed. If successful, we will receive the funding allocated to the scheme through the West Yorkshire plus Transport Fund.
What is the West Yorkshire Combined Authority?
The Combined Authority was formed in April 2014 to be the driving force for economic growth across the West Yorkshire and the City of York Council area. The West Yorkshire Combined Authority brings together key decision-making powers into a single body. To find out more visit www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk (opens in a new window).
Can the money be spent on any other projects?
The A62/A644 (Wakefield Road) Link Road scheme has funding provisionally earmarked from the West Yorkshire plus Transport Fund and therefore we wouldn't be able to spend it on anything else. If the Combined Authority do not accept the scheme's business case, then the scheme cannot go ahead and the money earmarked for this project will be allocated elsewhere in the region; not necessarily in Kirklees.
When will you have the detailed design?
Following this engagement process (which ends 18 January 2019), feedback received will be considered and options for improvements will be looked at in accordance with guidelines approved by the Department for Transport (DfT). Once a preferred option is selected and further funding is secured, the detailed design will be developed. We will then hold a public consultation on the detail of those designs, before they are finalised. We currently expect to be able to do this in 2020.
When will you start work on the improvements?
If we get approval from the Combined Authority it is anticipated that the first phase of work could commence on site in 2021.
Will my comments be considered?
The council has secured a small amount of funding to develop the business case and undertake transport modelling. Your comments will help inform proposals to address not only the underlying highway issues but also the needs of local residents, business owners and road users. By having your say and sharing your views we will be able to ensure that the priorities and thoughts you have on your area are considered in any scheme design.
Who can take part? Can I tell other people to take part?
We welcome the opinions and feedback of anyone. Whether you travel by public transport, walk, drive or cycle, are a business owner or just travel through the area, your views and insight is valuable to us to shape our scheme. Please share the link www.kirklees.gov.uk/majorschemes (opens in a new page) with anyone you think would be interested in taking part. If you intend to submit a joint response on behalf of a group/organisation, please share the link with your colleagues so they can have the opportunity to provide an individual response.
How can I take part?
You can take part by visiting our website: www.kirklees.gov.uk/majorschemes (opens in a new window), and selecting the A62/A644 (Wakefield Road) Link Road scheme to review all the latest information. In addition, post a copy of the questionnaire to: FREEPOST Consultation Team (WYCA) or email: major.transport@kirklees.gov.uk
When will we find out the results? What will you do with the results? Will you keep me updated on progress?
After the engagement period closes on 18 January 2019, responses to the questionnaire will be collated and analysed. A summary report will be prepared and posted on our website www.kirklees.gov.uk/majorschemes (opens in a new page). We will consider the feedback and share a report to provide an opportunity to see which elements will be taken forward and incorporated into the scheme design or not. In the event we cannot incorporate your concerns into the proposals, we will provide a response as to why.
At this stage it is intended that area wide information will be posted to residents and business to keep them informed on progress and also maintain our webpage www.kirklees.gov.uk/majorschemes (opens in a new page) with all the latest information regarding the scheme and you are invited to check back and see the progress there as it happens.
Will you require planning permission to build the scheme?
Yes, once we have selected our preferred option and secured funding to proceed with the scheme we will develop our design and undertake more surveys to help us prepare our planning application. We currently expect to submit our application in 2020. Subject to our application being approved we aim to begin construction in 2021.
Are you working with Calderdale Council on this?
Yes. The scheme crosses the boundary between Calderdale and Kirklees Council. Because the most significant changes are within the Kirklees boundary we are leading on the development of the scheme. However, we are working closely with colleagues in Calderdale Council to ensure the scheme is successfully delivered.
What are your plans for a cycle route between Cooper Bridge and Brighouse?
We are currently working with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority's CityConnect programme, Calderdale Council and key interested parties to develop a cycle route which improves the connection between Brighouse with the Cooper Bridge area. We are still in the process of developing possible solutions. Once we have developed these plans further we will present them to the public for comment.