A629 Calder and Hebble Junction (Phase 1b)

We are getting a number of queries about the work taking place on the A629 at Salterhebble, so have created a Frequently Asked Question section to help answer these queries... A629 Phase 1b FAQs

Plans

Details of the proposals can be found on the drawings in the supporting documents and in summary include:

• Building a new bridge and link road between the A629 and Stainland Road by spanning the Calder and Hebble Navigation.
• Widening the A629 to two continuous lanes in each direction from Elland Wood Bottom to the completed work at Salterhebble Hill.
• Introduction of traffic signal control at the junction of the A629 and Jubilee Road.
• Converting the existing mini roundabout on Stainland Road to traffic signal control.
• Creating a new landscaped area and surface water storage ponds adjacent to Stainland Road and new access points to canal towpath. 

Benefits

Economy and Employment

The project will improve access to Copley, Sowerby Bridge and Halifax, making sites on the route more attractive for business investment. The improvement in transport accessibility and better journey times will attract more workers to the area. 

Journey times

Once complete, the project will reduce vehicle journey times from Huddersfield to Halifax by up to 30%. Travel choices will be improved with more reliable and quicker bus journeys.

Tackling ‘rat running’

The new efficient A629 will reduce ‘rat running’ through adjacent communities such as Elland, West Vale, Siddal, Exley, Copley and Skircoat.

Sustainability

Travel options will benefit from more reliable and quicker local bus journeys and the promotion of active travel by improving cycle and waling infrastructure.

Progress

October 2021

Following the public engagement that took place in autumn 2018, work took place to prepare the proposals to be submitted for planning permission, which was submitted in late 2018 and granted in May 2019.

We undertook a tender process during 2020 which led to the appointment of John Sisk & Son as contractors on the scheme. They will be supported by WSP to deliver the final designs.

Initial site clearance work was completed in April 2021. Sisk made great progress in clearing the vegetation along Stainland Road and Huddersfield Road. Key consideration was given to conservation throughout this process. This has allowed access for further technical surveys and inspections which have fed back into the design process.

The main construction work will start November 2021. Overall completion of the scheme is planned for spring 2023.