A62 to Cooper Bridge Corridor Improvement Scheme - second consultation

The Cooper Bridge area has problems with major congestion, particularly during peak times. To address slow journey times, poor air quality and to support Local Plan housing and employment growth, we are working with Kirklees Council to make improvements in the area.

In summer 2021, we consulted on our proposals to make improvements to the Cooper Bridge and Bradley junctions. More information about this consultation, the outcome report and the project background can be found here.

Why are we consulting again?

In the previous consultation, you told us that you supported some parts of the proposals and did not support other parts. Since then, the inflation crisis has meant our proposed highway improvements to the Bradley and Cooper junctions are no longer deliverable due to escalating costs.

Since reviewing the project costs, we have considered different options to make sure we deliver the best solution. Although you said you supported the proposed highway improvements to the Bradley and Cooper Bridge junctions, this is no longer deliverable due to escalating costs.

This consultation is now focusing on improvements at Cooper Bridge junction only. Works at Bradley junction will be looked at as part of a future phase.

Your views have helped to shape our current proposals. You told us you wanted us to reduce the impact on trees and also that you wanted bus priority to be introduced.

Our scheme still aims to:

• Relieve congestion and improve journey times and reliability
• Improve road safety
• Support the improvement of air quality
• Improve pedestrian and cyclist facilities to encourage more use
• Support economic growth
• Support housing growth

What else has changed?

In our previous consultation, we showed you one preferred option. Now, we have three different proposal options focusing only on the Cooper Bridge junction stopping north of the railway bridge.

The three options are:

• Option A: Roundabout
• Option B: Gyratory
• Option C: T Junction

Please view the plans to have a look at the three options in more detail.

All three options look to:

• Enhance Cooper Bridge junction by providing additional capacity and optimise signal timings to reduce congestion
• Provide segregated cycling facilities around Cooper Bridge junction
• Provide new improved footways and shared space to benefit pedestrians and cyclists
• Enhance pedestrian and cycling crossing facilities by providing new signal-controlled crossing points
• Learn from the 2021 consultation feedback by introducing bus priority in the form of a bus gate and reducing the impact on trees compared to the 2021 preferred option

You can also have a look at our map which shows the environmental impact of the three options.

Tell us what you think about our plans

Between 28 October and 8 December, we are asking for your feedback on the updated proposals. Your views are important as we shape designs, so please take this opportunity to let us know what you think in our online survey.

Visit us at an event

Visit us at our drop-in session at Battyeford Sporting Club where you can ask the project team questions in person. Surveys will also be available for you to be drop off in a response box or take home to fill out later and post back to us with a freepost envelope. There is no need to book an appointment in advance, just come by at a time that suits you.

Battyeford Sporting Club has free parking, is accessible for those with mobility issues and is accessible by public transport.

• Wednesday 13 November 2024, 9:30am - 4:00pm, Battyeford Sporting Club, 443 Huddersfield Road, Mirfield WF14 0EE
• Tuesday 19 November 2024, 4:00pm - 8:00pm, Battyeford Sporting Club, 443 Huddersfield Road, Mirfield WF14 0EE

Next steps

After the consultation closes on 8 December, responses to the survey will be collated and analysed. A summary report will be shared on this page and on Kirklees Council’s website at: www.kirklees.gov.uk/majorschemes.

We will consider your feedback, and this will help inform our decision on the preferred option. We also hope to progress with our business case, submit a planning application and progress to a detailed design for the preferred option. Subject to receiving approvals, we aim to begin construction in 2027.

We will share updates here on the Your Voice project page as the scheme progresses.

Contact us

If you have any issues accessing the survey, would prefer a printed version, need help to take part in another language, or need support to complete the survey please get in touch.

• Via email: yourvoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk
• Via telephone: 0113 245 7676 (Metroline)
• Via post: FREEPOST Consultation Team WYCA (no stamp required)