FAQs
General
Economic growth - The project will improve access to businesses along the A629, towards and away from Halifax town centre.
Sustainability - Bus journeys will be prioritised, encouraging more people to use the service. Cycling and pedestrian improvements will make active options for travel more attractive.
Safety - Upgrades to cycle and pedestrian routes will make journeys safer.
Connectivity and access - Communities either side of the A629 will be better connected to each other and access to employment, education and leisure will be improved.
Cleaner environment - The investment in active travel infrastructure and public transport could reduce private vehicle usage, leading to reduced emissions and reduced congestion in line with the Combined Authority and Calderdale Council’s shared commitment to fighting climate change.
Improved motorway access
Orbital road improvements
Radial improvements on corridors for better public transport options into our urban centres
Road and rail improvements between district hubs to provide capacity and better connectivity
Enhanced rail station gateways with increased car parking capacity for park and ride
Valley Floor: At the previous stage of consultation, the scheme was considering an alternative design to build a new off-highway cycle route through the then disused former individual land surrounding Rawson’s Mill in the valley below Old Lane.
Modal filter: The possibility of including a modal filter on Old Lane was also consulted on previously. Feedback received from several nearby businesses presented access concerns for heavy and medium goods vehicles, which led to this option being discontinued. The scheme now emphasises traffic calming and other measures outlined in the main consultation documentation to improve the environment on Old Lane for both cyclists and pedestrians.
North Halifax Improved Streets for People: Calderdale Next Chapter, Your Voice
West Halifax Improved Streets for People: Calderdale Next Chapter, Your Voice
What area does the A629N scheme cover?
The project aims to improve the experience of travelling through local centres on the A629, specifically between Orange Street roundabout and Ogden. The wards that would be impacted by the proposed scheme are Illingworth and Mixenden, Ovenden, Town and Park. The scheme overview map sets out the full geographical scope of the project along this corridor.
How and why did you select this area to make the improvements?
The Strategic Outline Case (SOC) for Phase 2 of the Corridor Improvement Programme (CIP) undertook extensive option identification, analysis and prioritisation. This process identified the schemes best placed to build on the benefits achieved in Phase 1. Eight schemes are now being taken forward under Phase 2 of the programme including the A629N in Calderdale and further projects in Bradford, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield.
What do you hope to achieve by making the improvements?
The overview scheme benefits envisaged include:
Who is leading on the delivery of this project?
This project is being led by Calderdale Council. The improvements are funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority through the Department for Transport’s (DfT) West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund (WY+TF) and Levelling Up Fund (LUF). Calderdale Council have worked with local people and councillors to come up with our ideas and will carry on doing this as the project develops.
What is the West Yorkshire Combined Authority?
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority was formed in April 2014 to be the driving force for economic growth across the Kirklees, Bradford, Leeds, Calderdale and Wakefield districts 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.
How will the new proposals for the A629N be funded?
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority has been awarded national government funding from both the Department for Transport’s (DfT) West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund (WY+TF) and Department for Levelling Up, Community and Housing’s (DLUHC) Levelling Up Fund (LUF). LUF funding is provided by DLUHC but administered on their behalf by the Department for Transport.
What is the ‘Corridor Improvement Programme’ (CIP)?
The CIP is a programme of low and medium cost highway interventions on strategic highway corridors on the Key Route Network (KRN).
The CIP aims to deliver benefits for all road users with an emphasis on reducing journey times, to improve connectivity and accessibility. The aim is also to improve air quality and contribute towards tackling the climate emergency.
Phase 2 of the CIP is to undertake feasibility work to consider wider corridor interventions and strategy development to identify further measures to build on the benefits achieved through Phase 1. Eight schemes are now being taken forward under Phase 2 of the CIP including the A629N in Calderdale. This is funded through the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund (WY+TF) and Levelling Up Fund (LUF).
Calderdale is in the process of undertaking two separate projects as part of Phase 1, with both currently at Full Business Case with Finalised Costs stage:
What is the Levelling Up Fund?
The £4.8 billion Levelling Up Fund (LUF) contributes to the levelling up agenda by investing in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK, including regenerating town centres and high streets, upgrading local transport and investing in cultural and heritage assets.
A total of 111 areas have been awarded a share of £2.1 billion from Round 2 of the Levelling Up Fund including the A629N in Calderdale (as part of the Combined Authority’s own bid).
An interactive map outlining the spread of funding across the UK can be found on the Government’s Levelling Up campaign page.
You can also find out more about the Levelling Up Fund on the West Yorkshire Combined Authority website.
What is the ‘West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund’ (WY+TF)?
The West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund aims to deliver a number of strategic transport projects and to create about 20,000 new jobs. These projects will be delivered to facilitate growth identified in the Strategic Economic Plan (SEP), which encompass:
You can read more information about the WY+TF here: https://www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/projects/west-yorkshire-plus-transport-fund/.
What is the total cost of the scheme?
The total Indicative Funding Allocation for the scheme to date is £6,100,000, as approved by the Combined Authority at Strategic Outline Case (SOC).
Can the money be spent on other things? (e.g., bus services, other projects)
The respective funding awarded to date (from both the WY+TF and LUF) is specific to the scope of the A629N scheme and cannot be spent on other projects.
Why have these specific interventions been selected and proposed?
The final designs represent the outputs of a 3-year process of option identification and consultation with key stakeholders including members of Calderdale Council, local residents and businesses.
A previous stage of public consultation was undertaken as part of finalising the project’s previous stage of Outline Business Case (OBC) submission and the final designs proposed here reflect amendments made following that feedback.
Why have some ideas from the previous consultation been removed?
There have been some changes to the previous designs based on the outputs of the previous consultation and continued design work undertaken since then.
However, following further design feasibility work, a number of potential risks and issues were identified. This new knowledge meant progressing this option presented significant risks both in terms of the timescales and budget for the funding awarded to the scheme.
Also, Rawson’s Mill itself is now subject to a separate private planning application for redevelopment as flats and housing. If successful, the redevelopment of the mill and surrounding area would have presented a further complication to attempting to build a new cycle route through the same area within the timescales by which this project’s funding needs to be spent by.
Why is this scheme still progressing when other Council projects (such as Halifax Leisure Centre and Station Gateway have recently been paused)?
This scheme was originally also pipelined in the review of all WY+TF schemes in 2021. However, the A629N was successful in receiving alternative funding as part of the Combined Authority’s application to the Levelling Up Fund round 2 (LUF2). This funding is specifically for the purpose of schemes which contain elements of bus priority and therefore wasn’t available to projects such as the Leisure Centre or Station Gateway.
What else is being done to improve transport in north and west Halifax?
Two other transport schemes are currently in development for this wider area of north Halifax including one directly bordering the A629N (explaining some of the design decisions made as outlined elsewhere in these FAQs). These projects are the north Halifax Improvement Streets for People and West Halifax Improved Streets for People schemes. Both of these projects form part of the wider Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) programme. Further details on the projects themselves and the previous consultations can be found on the following webpages:
Has there been a delay with A629N Corridor Improvement Scheme?
When we last consulted with the public in 2021 it was hoped that we would consult for a second round and then submit the project’s Final Business Case (FBC) in early 2023. However, the scheme was then pipelined as part of the WY+TF’s Inflation Review carried out in late 2022. The scheme was subsequently successful in being awarded new alternative funding having been included in the Combined Authority’s successful bid to the Levelling Up Fund in early 2023 (with the A629N scheme included as part of this).
What are the timescales for delivering the scheme?
The project needs to be delivered by 2025 in accordance with the requirements of the funding it has been awarded. Construction itself is envisaged as commencing in summer 2024. A more detailed programme of construction for the scheme is currently being developed.
Has any transport modelling been done on this corridor?
Transport modelling has been undertaken to refine the designs presented as part of this consultation. This has included the modelling of rerouted traffic because of the proposed one-way system on Whitehill Road and modelling of the Nursery Lane traffic signals with the proposed additional crossing.
What will Calderdale Council do to address the air quality along this corridor?
The investment in active travel infrastructure and public transport aims to reduce private vehicle usage, leading to reduced emissions and congestion in line with the Combined Authority and Calderdale Council’s shared commitment to fighting climate change and global heating.
You can read more about the Combined Authority and Calderdale Council’s commitments to addressing climate change here:
Will there be any tree loss during construction?
No tree loss is planned as part of this project.
Are there any relevant decision documents in the public domain?
The decision documents to date are published on the Combined Authority’s website:
Bus users, walking and cycling
How will the scheme benefit cyclists and pedestrians?
The designs propose a range of measures with the aim to specifically benefit both cyclists and pedestrians. These include a new cycle corridor, road re-surfacing, improved pedestrian crossing facilities at a number of junctions and additional safety improvements such as the introduction of additional lighting and CCTV to the underpasses at Orange Street roundabout. Please view the information pack to see the proposed improvements and benefits for each individual component currently under consideration.
How will the scheme benefit bus users?
The scheme will introduce bus prioritisation software to key junctions along the A629N, improving journey times and reliability for bus passengers.
Why are no bus lanes or other segregation measures proposed under the current designs?
Early in the design optioneering process, it was decided that there was a strategic advantage for bus routing along the A629 corridor via Dean Clough. Implementing bus lanes on the section between Orange Street roundabout and Ovenden Way would counteract this ambition, as well as removing capacity from the A629 for general traffic. As a result, bus lane proposals for the section of the A629 in the scope of this scheme were dropped.
Why has a specific cycle lane not been given greater consideration as part of the proposed corridor on Old Lane?
This idea has been considered during the design optioneering but discounted primarily because the existing corridor is bounded on both sides by buildings.
As detailed in the proposals, the idea for an off-highway cycle route was previously consulted on and further extensive design feasibility work has been carried out since then. This option has been dropped from these proposals due to additional delivery risks identified during construction feasibility work. Mitigating these risks would lead this part of the project to fall out of the scope for timescales and budget. Also, Rawson’s Mill is now subject to a private planning application for redevelopment as flats and housing. If successful, the redevelopment of the mill and surrounding area would have presented a further complication to attempting to build a new cycle route through the same area within the timescales by which this project’s funding needs to be spent by. So, the valley floor cycle route option is no longer being considered by this project at this time.
Are you proposing to designate Old Lane as a dedicated active travel corridor under these changes?
For the reasons outlined in response to the previous question, it is not possible to introduce ATN 1/20 compliant infrastructure on Old Lane while also keeping the road open to traffic. As a result, the scheme intends to improve the existing environment for cyclists and pedestrians, who currently use or intend to use the route in the future, to the maximum extent current space constraints allow.
Impact on those living nearby
How will the scheme affect local residents and businesses?
We believe the proposed benefits of the scheme stand to benefit the majority of local residents, businesses and others either visiting or travelling through this area. However, the purpose of this consultation is to seek the views of all individuals who wish to comment on the current proposals and better understand their views as to the potential impacts of the scheme (whether positive or negative).
Please note that the new pedestrian crossing on the Keighley Road and Nursery Lane junction will require a bus stop being moved slightly north of its current location on Keighley Road.
How will these proposals affect parking spaces, loading or drop-off for local businesses and blue badge parking?
The plans presented as part of this consultation show where we are looking to potentially introduce elements of one-way systems, which we are conscious could have an impact on access for local businesses.
We know that there are lots of businesses both big and small along the A629N corridor and each may have its own arrangements in terms of loading and unloading. The consultation gives business owners and those serving businesses a chance to comment on the proposals and identify where, if anywhere, they have concerns relating to this issue.
The final designs reflect changes made as a result of feedback received from businesses during the previous public consultation (such as concerns raised regarding the impact of introducing a modal filter on Old Lane from local businesses).
The disabled (blue badge) parking on Whitehill Road will not be impacted by the proposals and will remain as it currently is.
Will there be any disruption for access to the area during construction?
We currently expect construction to start in summer 2024 and finish in spring 2025. Once we have more detailed designs a contractor will be appointed who will firm up the construction dates. We will work closely with the contractor to make sure that the impact on all users, local residents and businesses is as small as possible, but there will be some disruption from road works. We will work closely with businesses and communities most affected to ensure all works are done with the minimum possible impact.
Calderdale Council is managing the schedule of work, which includes many individual projects scheduled for delivery over a similar period. They aim to sequence the work to minimise disruption for all residents, visitors and other users travelling to and from Halifax.
Will the proposals impact on an area of land I own?
As part of the work done so far, the project team have been attempting to identify relevant landowners who may be impacted by some of the proposals and engage with them prior to the launch of the next phase of public consultation. Please contact us at yourvoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk if you believe this to be the case, we would like to speak to you and discuss the current designs in greater detail at the earliest opportunity. At this time, we do not believe any element of formal land acquisition is required to deliver the final designs as they currently stand.
Having your say and staying informed
Who can take part in the public consultation? Can I let other people know about it?
Anyone can take part. Please tell your friends and family about it. Whether you live in, work in, travel through, or visit this area of north Halifax, your views are valuable to help us develop our ideas and we’d like to hear from you.
We are hosting free public Zoom webinars on Monday 13 November from 5:30-6:30pm (register here) and Wednesday 22 November 12-1pm (register here) to give you a chance to find out more and talk to our project team. Please follow the links to register for the webinar you would like to attend.
We are also hosting public drop-in sessions on Tuesday 14 November 3-6pm at Orange Box and Monday 27 November 12-5pm at Dean Clough. Please come by to view the plans and talk to the project team. You do not need to register to join a drop-in event. As these are drop-in events, you can come by at any time that suits you during the event.
Please share the link https://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/A629N with anyone you think would be interested in taking part in the public consultation.
You can submit a joint response on behalf of a group or organisation, please do so by emailing yourvoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk. Please also share the link with your colleagues or members so they can provide an individual response, should they wish to do so.
The survey can be provided in accessible and alternative formats to anyone who requires it. Please email yourvoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk to make a request.
What if my comment is about maintenance or upkeep of an existing cycle route or highway?
This consultation is only about the proposals for this project. The best way to report an issue with a road or cycle path is by directly contacting the Calderdale Council Highways Maintenance team here.
That said, we are proposing to resurface some elements of both the highway and pavements on Old Lane.
What if I have a question or concern about a specific place / idea in the proposals?
We encourage you to take part in the survey and record your thoughts there in questions about the relevant section. You can also contact the project team via the Your Voice email inbox yourvoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk or ask us a question using the Q&A tool at the bottom of the project page and we will get back to you with a reply.
Alternatively, please attend one of our in person drop-in events or webinar sessions online. We are hosting free public Zoom webinars on Monday 13 November from 5:30-6:30pm (register here) and Wednesday 22 November 12-1pm (register here) to give you a chance to find out more and talk to our project team. Please follow the links to register for the webinar you would like to attend.
We are also hosting public drop-in sessions on Tuesday 14 November 3-6pm at Orange Box and Monday 27 November 12-5pm at Dean Clough. Please come by to view the plans and talk to the project team. You do not need to register to join a drop-in event. As these are drop-in events, you can come by at any time that suits you during the event.
Can I use this consultation to comment on the North Halifax Improved Streets for People proposals?
The North Halifax Improved Streets for People scheme is a separate project currently under development by Calderdale Council as part of the Transforming Cities Fund. The scheme was most recently consulted on from 4 November 2022 to 30 January 2023. You can find the Your Voice page for the previous round of consultation here. A future round of consultation and engagement is planned and will be advertised through Your Voice and Calderdale Council’s ‘Calderdale Next Chapter’ website.
What will the personal information I provide be used for?
All personal information you provide (such as age, postcode, gender) will be anonymised and only used for analysis of the key findings and trends in this consultation. When we look at the feedback, we separate it by things like age and gender which helps us to understand how ideas may affect different groups of people. This helps us to develop our ideas. You can read our Privacy Notice here.
How will my feedback be used?
We want to understand how people are currently travelling and what their thoughts are on the current ideas for improvements along with A629N corridor. Your feedback will be used by the project team at Calderdale Council to develop detailed plans for improvements in this area of North Halifax. Your feedback is also an opportunity to identify any issues that we are not currently aware of.
How do I keep up to date with the A629N Corridor Improvement Scheme?
Visit the Your Voice page at yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/A629N and please provide your contact information by clicking on the ‘subscribe’ banner on the side of the project page. You will receive information by email about the consultation and how your feedback has been considered to inform design development. For subsequent information as the project develops please also visit Calderdale Council’s ‘Calderdale Next Chapter’ website here.
For social media updates on this project and other schemes being delivered by Calderdale Council, follow us on: X: @CalderdaleNC, Facebook: Search Calderdale Next Chapter.