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A639 Park Road, Pontefract - Corridor Improvement Programme

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A639 Park Road, Pontefract

Corridor Improvement Programme


This public consultation has now closed. Thank you to everyone that took part.

All survey answers, comments and suggestions will be analysed and considered and have part of the final outcome report.

The information below was presented during the public consultation.

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Wakefield Council, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, is looking to make improvements to the A639 Park Road in Pontefract. The improvements are intended to encourage and enable more walking and cycling in the area as well as encouraging more bus use. We would like your feedback on the proposed improvements.

The Corridor Improvement Programme (CIP) is part of a West Yorkshire plus Transport Fund package of highway related schemes. CIP aims to deliver benefits for all road users with an emphasis on reducing journey times, in order to make it easier for people to get around the area and travel to work. The aim is also to improve air quality and contribute towards tackling the climate emergency.

The improvements on the A639 Park Road between Stuart Road in Pontefract and Junction 32 of the M62 are key to providing Pontefract with the infrastructure needed to support the development of the area and its surrounds.

Some of the main issues identified on the A639 Park Road section are:

  • Poor walking and cycling facilities and experience;
  • Traffic congestion with queues and delays at junctions especially during evening peak times and weekend events;
  • This road is expected to experience large increases in demand due to nearby housing, retail and leisure developments;
  • Inadequate provision of bus infrastructure and services along the corridor
  • Air pollution 
  • Noise pollution 

Without intervention all the identified problems will worsen in the future, potentially constraining investment and growth in Pontefract and Castleford.

The aims and objectives of this scheme are:

  • Minimise congestion at a key junction on the Park Road Corridor (that will benefit all road users)
  • Encourage a shift towards more walking and cycling and the use of public transport
  • Improve bus journey times and bus reliability on the route
  • Support future developments near the A639 Park Road
  • Improve air quality by reducing emissions
  • Improve access to employment and education centres via sustainable modes of travel

The plan (opens in a new window) illustrates the proposals, highlighting the proposed changes to the existing highway network associated with the scheme.

These changes are summarised below:

  • Replacement of the A639 Park Road / retail park / Pontefract park and racecourse roundabout with a new 4 arm traffic signal junction. This will improve access for walkers and cyclists crossing the A639. The new layout will also provide improved access to and from the park and help buses through the junction.
  • Improved walking and cycling environment on the A639 Park Road.
  • Improved cycle route between Pontefract town centre and junction 32 retail park/ Xscape either by either improving the existing off road route (option 1) or by developing a new route part of which runs next to the A639 Park Road (option 2).
  • New bus priority measures at Park Lane Junction and New Racecourse Junction either by introducing physical bus lanes (option1) or by using bus detectors on the approach to the traffic signals (option 2).

Public engagement

We invited people to share their views and comments during the consultation period between 7 July and 5 August 2021. This feedback will be considered before the proposals are finalised prior to construction works starting on site.


This consultation closed on 4 August 2021.

Next steps

Following the consultation period, the survey results will be analysed, and your feedback will be considered. Feedback will help develop the proposals which will be submitted via the Outline Business Case (OBC) in October 2021.

Please note that there is currently no funding allocated to deliver the identified improvements once the Outline Business Case document (OBC) has been submitted. The A639 Park Road corridor is on a “reserve list” if more funding becomes available.

If the OBC is approved, the expectation is that other sources of funding may become available allowing the scheme to be progressed to delivery by 2024/25. For more information please visit the FAQ section on this page.

A639 Park Road, Pontefract

Corridor Improvement Programme


This public consultation has now closed. Thank you to everyone that took part.

All survey answers, comments and suggestions will be analysed and considered and have part of the final outcome report.

The information below was presented during the public consultation.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wakefield Council, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, is looking to make improvements to the A639 Park Road in Pontefract. The improvements are intended to encourage and enable more walking and cycling in the area as well as encouraging more bus use. We would like your feedback on the proposed improvements.

The Corridor Improvement Programme (CIP) is part of a West Yorkshire plus Transport Fund package of highway related schemes. CIP aims to deliver benefits for all road users with an emphasis on reducing journey times, in order to make it easier for people to get around the area and travel to work. The aim is also to improve air quality and contribute towards tackling the climate emergency.

The improvements on the A639 Park Road between Stuart Road in Pontefract and Junction 32 of the M62 are key to providing Pontefract with the infrastructure needed to support the development of the area and its surrounds.

Some of the main issues identified on the A639 Park Road section are:

  • Poor walking and cycling facilities and experience;
  • Traffic congestion with queues and delays at junctions especially during evening peak times and weekend events;
  • This road is expected to experience large increases in demand due to nearby housing, retail and leisure developments;
  • Inadequate provision of bus infrastructure and services along the corridor
  • Air pollution 
  • Noise pollution 

Without intervention all the identified problems will worsen in the future, potentially constraining investment and growth in Pontefract and Castleford.

The aims and objectives of this scheme are:

  • Minimise congestion at a key junction on the Park Road Corridor (that will benefit all road users)
  • Encourage a shift towards more walking and cycling and the use of public transport
  • Improve bus journey times and bus reliability on the route
  • Support future developments near the A639 Park Road
  • Improve air quality by reducing emissions
  • Improve access to employment and education centres via sustainable modes of travel

The plan (opens in a new window) illustrates the proposals, highlighting the proposed changes to the existing highway network associated with the scheme.

These changes are summarised below:

  • Replacement of the A639 Park Road / retail park / Pontefract park and racecourse roundabout with a new 4 arm traffic signal junction. This will improve access for walkers and cyclists crossing the A639. The new layout will also provide improved access to and from the park and help buses through the junction.
  • Improved walking and cycling environment on the A639 Park Road.
  • Improved cycle route between Pontefract town centre and junction 32 retail park/ Xscape either by either improving the existing off road route (option 1) or by developing a new route part of which runs next to the A639 Park Road (option 2).
  • New bus priority measures at Park Lane Junction and New Racecourse Junction either by introducing physical bus lanes (option1) or by using bus detectors on the approach to the traffic signals (option 2).

Public engagement

We invited people to share their views and comments during the consultation period between 7 July and 5 August 2021. This feedback will be considered before the proposals are finalised prior to construction works starting on site.


This consultation closed on 4 August 2021.

Next steps

Following the consultation period, the survey results will be analysed, and your feedback will be considered. Feedback will help develop the proposals which will be submitted via the Outline Business Case (OBC) in October 2021.

Please note that there is currently no funding allocated to deliver the identified improvements once the Outline Business Case document (OBC) has been submitted. The A639 Park Road corridor is on a “reserve list” if more funding becomes available.

If the OBC is approved, the expectation is that other sources of funding may become available allowing the scheme to be progressed to delivery by 2024/25. For more information please visit the FAQ section on this page.

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

We have created an extensive list of frequently asked questions and you can find these here (opens in a new page). However, if you have another question, please write it here and we will try to get a response back to you as soon as possible.

Please note that any question you ask will be visible to all visitors to this site, so please do not include any personal information - alternatively you can email us.

  • Share I am a resident of the housing on Beechnut Lane, Pontefract, just off the A639. The current traffic layout does not allow me to turn right at the traffic lights at the end of Park Lane in to Beechnut Lane when I approach from Pontefract town centre, so I have to drive around the current roundabout and double back to turn left at the lights to access my property. Please can you specify how I will access my property from the A639 if the roundabout is replaced by traffic lights? on Facebook Share I am a resident of the housing on Beechnut Lane, Pontefract, just off the A639. The current traffic layout does not allow me to turn right at the traffic lights at the end of Park Lane in to Beechnut Lane when I approach from Pontefract town centre, so I have to drive around the current roundabout and double back to turn left at the lights to access my property. Please can you specify how I will access my property from the A639 if the roundabout is replaced by traffic lights? on Twitter Share I am a resident of the housing on Beechnut Lane, Pontefract, just off the A639. The current traffic layout does not allow me to turn right at the traffic lights at the end of Park Lane in to Beechnut Lane when I approach from Pontefract town centre, so I have to drive around the current roundabout and double back to turn left at the lights to access my property. Please can you specify how I will access my property from the A639 if the roundabout is replaced by traffic lights? on Linkedin Email I am a resident of the housing on Beechnut Lane, Pontefract, just off the A639. The current traffic layout does not allow me to turn right at the traffic lights at the end of Park Lane in to Beechnut Lane when I approach from Pontefract town centre, so I have to drive around the current roundabout and double back to turn left at the lights to access my property. Please can you specify how I will access my property from the A639 if the roundabout is replaced by traffic lights? link

    I am a resident of the housing on Beechnut Lane, Pontefract, just off the A639. The current traffic layout does not allow me to turn right at the traffic lights at the end of Park Lane in to Beechnut Lane when I approach from Pontefract town centre, so I have to drive around the current roundabout and double back to turn left at the lights to access my property. Please can you specify how I will access my property from the A639 if the roundabout is replaced by traffic lights?

    Beechnut Lane Resident asked over 3 years ago

     

    Thank you for contacting us. We are aware of the specific access requirements for residents of Beechnut Lane, and the need to make provision for alternative routes if the scheme to replace the roundabout with signals is pursued.

    The consultants who have prepared the initial design for the Council have been asked to identify acceptable alternative access arrangements. Following consultation a decision will be made on what the outline business case will contain.

    If the revised layout with signals is pursued, the detailed design will be expected to include an acceptable, safe and convenient way of accessing Beechnut Lane from the south on the A639. Residents of Beechnut Lane would be kept informed as the detailed design was progressed.           
  • Share Moving the entrance to McDonalds around to the other side of the car park would be ideal. Traffic on the road leading to wicks and curry's is horrendous and adding the range will make it even worse. The are park behind McDonalds is far too large and is relatively empty most of the time and this would be better utilization. Also if your going to put lights where the roundabout is now without considering this you will cause travel chaos. Is this a consideration? on Facebook Share Moving the entrance to McDonalds around to the other side of the car park would be ideal. Traffic on the road leading to wicks and curry's is horrendous and adding the range will make it even worse. The are park behind McDonalds is far too large and is relatively empty most of the time and this would be better utilization. Also if your going to put lights where the roundabout is now without considering this you will cause travel chaos. Is this a consideration? on Twitter Share Moving the entrance to McDonalds around to the other side of the car park would be ideal. Traffic on the road leading to wicks and curry's is horrendous and adding the range will make it even worse. The are park behind McDonalds is far too large and is relatively empty most of the time and this would be better utilization. Also if your going to put lights where the roundabout is now without considering this you will cause travel chaos. Is this a consideration? on Linkedin Email Moving the entrance to McDonalds around to the other side of the car park would be ideal. Traffic on the road leading to wicks and curry's is horrendous and adding the range will make it even worse. The are park behind McDonalds is far too large and is relatively empty most of the time and this would be better utilization. Also if your going to put lights where the roundabout is now without considering this you will cause travel chaos. Is this a consideration? link

    Moving the entrance to McDonalds around to the other side of the car park would be ideal. Traffic on the road leading to wicks and curry's is horrendous and adding the range will make it even worse. The are park behind McDonalds is far too large and is relatively empty most of the time and this would be better utilization. Also if your going to put lights where the roundabout is now without considering this you will cause travel chaos. Is this a consideration?

    AshJ1985 asked over 3 years ago

     

    Thank you for your comment. As mentioned in some of the other questions and answers, we are aware of the problems associated with the access arrangements for McDonalds and the issues that this can cause at times. The problem has of course worsened as a result of the increased use of the drive through during the covid restrictions. Although we expect this to improve as more typical use of the car park returns, we are aware that measures will still be needed to address the problem. We will work with McDonalds and the owner of the retail park to identify a solution, however it should be noted that the access roads to the retail park are not public highway and we do cannot impose a solution.  The proposals being consulted on are for the longer term and assume that the retail park issues can be addressed in the shorter term.   
  • Share Have new entrance to retail park and to sports centre. Let traffic flow freely Though to town on Facebook Share Have new entrance to retail park and to sports centre. Let traffic flow freely Though to town on Twitter Share Have new entrance to retail park and to sports centre. Let traffic flow freely Though to town on Linkedin Email Have new entrance to retail park and to sports centre. Let traffic flow freely Though to town link

    Have new entrance to retail park and to sports centre. Let traffic flow freely Though to town

    Noel asked over 3 years ago

     

    Thank you for your comment. We are of course aware of the problems associated with the access arrangements for McDonalds and the issues that this can cause at times. The problem has of course worsened as a result of the increased use of the drive through during the covid restrictions. Although we expect this to improve as more typical use of the car park returns, we are aware that measures will still be needed to address the problem. We will work with McDonalds and the owner of the retail park to identify a solution, however it should be noted that the access roads to the retail park are not public highway and we do cannot impose a solution.  The proposals being consulted on are for the longer term and assume that the retail park issues can be addressed in the shorter term.   
  • Share There is one small but significant point which doesn't seem to have been addressed, and will still cause traffic problems after your much improved layout. This is the congestion caused by the traffic tailback trying to access McDonald's at peak times. This causes problems to traffic both entering and leaving the shopping car parks, and is only going to get worse when The Range opens. on Facebook Share There is one small but significant point which doesn't seem to have been addressed, and will still cause traffic problems after your much improved layout. This is the congestion caused by the traffic tailback trying to access McDonald's at peak times. This causes problems to traffic both entering and leaving the shopping car parks, and is only going to get worse when The Range opens. on Twitter Share There is one small but significant point which doesn't seem to have been addressed, and will still cause traffic problems after your much improved layout. This is the congestion caused by the traffic tailback trying to access McDonald's at peak times. This causes problems to traffic both entering and leaving the shopping car parks, and is only going to get worse when The Range opens. on Linkedin Email There is one small but significant point which doesn't seem to have been addressed, and will still cause traffic problems after your much improved layout. This is the congestion caused by the traffic tailback trying to access McDonald's at peak times. This causes problems to traffic both entering and leaving the shopping car parks, and is only going to get worse when The Range opens. link

    There is one small but significant point which doesn't seem to have been addressed, and will still cause traffic problems after your much improved layout. This is the congestion caused by the traffic tailback trying to access McDonald's at peak times. This causes problems to traffic both entering and leaving the shopping car parks, and is only going to get worse when The Range opens.

    TerryB asked over 3 years ago

    Thank you for your comment. We are of course aware of the problems associated with the access arrangements for McDonalds and the issues that this can cause at times. The problem has of course worsened as a result of the increased use of the drive through during the covid restrictions. Although we expect this to improve as more typical use of the car park returns, we are aware that measures will still be needed to address the problem. We will work with McDonalds and the owner of the retail park to identify a solution, however it should be noted that the access roads to the retail park are not public highway and we do cannot impose a solution.  The proposals being consulted on are for the longer term and assume that the retail park issues can be addressed in the shorter term.

  • Share How long is this going to take? How is this going to effect road use? How is this going to effect Pontefract races on the days it is on? on Facebook Share How long is this going to take? How is this going to effect road use? How is this going to effect Pontefract races on the days it is on? on Twitter Share How long is this going to take? How is this going to effect road use? How is this going to effect Pontefract races on the days it is on? on Linkedin Email How long is this going to take? How is this going to effect road use? How is this going to effect Pontefract races on the days it is on? link

    How long is this going to take? How is this going to effect road use? How is this going to effect Pontefract races on the days it is on?

    Jordan asked over 3 years ago

    The scheme proposals have been developed for the Council by Consultants, who have worked up the designs being consulted on. Work to assess the impact of the scheme on traffic flow is still on going. This work includes an assessment of the impact on travel times for all road users. The assessment includes looking at the construction phase identifying the impact of roadworks on traffic. The total cost of construction delay will be included in the economic assessment of the scheme. The economic assessment of the scheme will influence the decision on what scheme to promote as the preferred option in the outline business case.                                       

    Although the business case for the scheme is based on typical traffic conditions, we intend to  assess the impact of race day flows.  With regard to race day impacts, the consultants will run a transport model test with observed race day flows. The signals will be able to incorporate signal plans for race days that allow more traffic to enter the racecourse before events and more to leave after races by giving more green time to these movements. The proposals include a section of 2 exit lanes from the racecourse to assist with traffic leaving the Park / racecourse.   

Page last updated: 13 Nov 2024, 04:09 PM