A629 phase 2 Halifax town centre

Plans

We’re planning change for Halifax on a grand scale. There will be more space for people to move around and enjoy the town. At the edges, we’ll make welcoming gateways to the town centre. New cycle routes will make it safer to get from A to B and make it clear for all road users who has priority. We’ve designed junction layouts that are more efficient and help people to get to their destination, and we will upgrade signals that work together to make sure traffic keeps moving when it gets busy.

If you have questions or comments about this project, you can email the project team at: A629Phase2@calderdale.gov.uk. 

Overview

We will work over three areas of Halifax that we’ll refer to as west, central and east. We're proposing to:

• pedestrianise Market Street and a short length of Northgate,
• add and upgrade crossings,
• add new cycle routes and facilities at major junctions and throughout the town,
• remove the roundabout at Bull Green and replace it with a more efficient layout,
• plant trees and landscaping,
• create a public space outside Square Chapel and Halifax Central Library,
• move the main traffic route east of the former Hughes Corporation building towards Bank Bottom,
• add blue badge parking spaces on Princess Street, 
• introduce new bus stops at Southgate, Ward's End, Union Street, Church Street, Alfred Street East and Horton Street,
• prioritise bus access at Winding Road, 
• move taxi provision from the middle of Market Street further south, and add taxi provision on Albion Street,
• remove parking on Horton Street to allow for freer-flowing bus movements,
• and realign the road at Lower Kirkgate and Bank Bottom.

West

We are changing routes around the town and creating welcoming gateways for people as they enter and leave the town centre at Bull Green and Ward’s End. We’ll change the layouts of roads and junctions to make walking, cycling and public transport routes easier and safer.

Overview of (the most up-to-date) plans for the west of Halifax [full size]. 

Junction of Skircoat Road and Prescott Street

We will install cycle lanes on either side of the road to create safer routes for people travelling to and from the town centre from the south, and destinations like the Shay Stadium. We’ll be replacing the staggered crossings on Prescott Street and on the southern arm of the junction. The new crossings will allow people to cross in a straight line without a pause. We will upgrade the signals so that they link to others in the area to keep vehicles moving more efficiently when there is traffic to the west of town.

Bull Green

The most visible change at Bull Green will be the removal of the roundabout. We will replace the roundabout with a new junction layout that will allow for:

• A new gateway to the town centre from the west with more space, and a more pleasant experience for people walking into the town centre,
• trees to be planted around the junction,
• a new crossing on Bull Green,
• more efficient journeys for buses and other traffic passing through,
• and a new right-turn out of George Street to improve access for buses and taxis travelling to the north of Halifax.

Northgate and Bus Station

We’re building a more welcoming experience for people travelling from Halifax Bus Station and the north of the town into the town centre. The section of Northgate between Northgate House and Trinity Sixth Form Academy and the Bus Station will be converted to a space for people walking or cycling, with trees and places to sit.

People travelling on their bicycles will be able to safely and efficiently thanks to new cycle routes.

We’re putting a new crossing in so people can cross the new bus station exit safely. We’re upgrading the crossing on Broad Street from Broad Street Plaza to allow people to cross in a straight line without a pause. We will upgrade the signals so that they link to others in the area to keep vehicles moving more efficiently when there is traffic to the west of town.

The plans for this section of the A629 phase 2 project have been designed to link with design features of the new Halifax Bus Station and the new exit for buses.

Junction of Winding Road and Northgate

We will be replacing the staggered crossing between Broad Street Plaza and Halifax Bus Station. The new crossing will allow people to cross in a straight line without a pause. The plans for this section of the A629 phase 2 project have been designed to link with design features of the new Halifax Bus Station like the new entrance on Winding Road.

People travelling on their bicycles will be able to navigate the junction safely and efficiently thanks to new cycle routes. These routes will have signals to make it clear to everyone on the junction who has priority.

We will upgrade the signals so that they link to others in the area to keep vehicles moving more efficiently when there is traffic to the west of town.

Junction of Cow Green and Pellon Lane

We’re building a more welcoming experience for people travelling from the west to the town centre. There will be a new gateway to the town centre from the west with more space, trees and planting, and a more pleasant experience for people walking. We’re going to fill in the subway that connects Lister Court to Crown Street and replace it with a crossing on Cow Green.

People travelling on their bicycles will be able to navigate the junction safely and efficiently thanks to new cycle routes. These routes will have signals to make it clear to everyone on the junction who has priority.

We’re going to remove access from Central Street to Cow Green. Those travelling along Central Street will be able to make the right turn onto Crown Street. We will upgrade signals so that they link to others in the area to keep vehicles moving more efficiently when there is traffic to the west of town.

Cross Hills

We will add a new crossing on North Bridge Street to the walk into town from the north safer. We will install cycle lanes on either side of the road to create safer routes for people travelling by bike.

We will upgrade signals so that they link to others in the area to keep vehicles moving more efficiently when there is traffic to the west of town.

Junction of Commercial Street and Fountain Street

We will be replacing the staggered crossings on Fountain Street and Commercial Street. The new crossings will allow people to cross in a straight line without a pause. Around the junction, we will create more space and a more pleasant experience for people walking in and out of the town centre and add trees.

People travelling on their bicycles will be able to navigate the junction safely and efficiently thanks to new cycle routes. Cycle routes will be clearly marked leading in and out of Commercial Street. The short section of Trinity Road that passes by the Halifax offices will become a cycle route. Cycle routes that cross the junction will have signals to make it clear to everyone on who has priority.

We will upgrade signals so that they link to others in the area to keep vehicles moving more efficiently when there is traffic to the west of town.

Orange Street junction

On Broad Street, we’re going to add a new crossing close to the junction with Orange Street. This crossing will create a more direct link for people travelling between the St James Road area and the town centre near Halifax Town Hall. We will upgrade the signals so that they link to others in the area to keep vehicles moving more efficiently when there is traffic to the west of town.

Central

We’re going to turn Market Street into an area for people, pedestrianising the area from the edge of Halifax Borough Market at Albion Street to Old Market, creating new places for people to meet, and opportunities for business to grow in the heart of the town centre.

Overview of proposals for the central Halifax [full size].

East

On the eastern side of the town, we will be connecting Halifax Rail Station to the centre through a new town gateway at Square Chapel, and rerouting traffic away from the town centre.

Overview of proposals for the east of Halifax [full size].

Across the whole town we will be enhancing how streets look, installing smart signals that work together to improve traffic flow across the area and we’ll be moving bus routes to the edge, further removing traffic from the town centre.

Benefits

Economic growth

We’re making opportunities for Halifax’s vibrant local economy to grow. These changes will encourage new investment, greater footfall and more trade.

Landscape

We’re creating public spaces for people, planting trees and landscaping, and improving the aesthetic appeal of Halifax.

Sustainability

We’re designing routes that prioritise space for people who walk, wheel or cycle around the town centre. There will be new crossings and changes to crossings to improve the experience for people walking and cycling, more convenient bus stops and routes, and easier access to Halifax Rail Station and Halifax Bus Station. 

Safety

We’re building features into our designs to make journeys safer for all, like wider crossing facilities and removing the subway at Cow Green. We’re changing road layouts with safety in mind and creating new pedestrianised areas so people can travel around town without having to cross busy roads. 

Journey times 

We’re reducing the amount of traffic that comes through the town centre, particularly at peak times, and times and providing alternative routes to the east and west of town.

Air quality

We’re making changes to improve air quality in Halifax. The new layout will improve the circulation of traffic around the town’s perimeter and remove vehicles from the town centre. We’re introducing high-quality pedestrian and cycle infrastructure, new bus routes and electric vehicle charging points so that everyone can make choices that contribute to a cleaner town.
 

Progress

30 September 2024

Uploaded up-to-date overview of plans for Halifax (overview) and for the west of Halifax. 

17 September 2024

Updated the overview of proposals for Halifax included in the A629 phase 2 project. [View full size].

Added overviews of proposals for the west, central, and east of Halifax.

14 August 2024

We have updated the frequently asked questions (FAQ) page for this project.

12 August 2024

We have expanded the route of the free shuttle bus serving Halifax town centre and the west of the town. The new route will support access while improvement works take place. 

16 July 2024

We've introduced a new, free shuttle bus service to better connect the A58 Burdock Way and the A629 in Halifax while the work in the area of Bull Green goes ahead. 

The bus picks up and drops off at George Street (stop 23), Bull Green roundabout, Cow Green, Pellon Lane, Hanson Lane, Hope Street, Gibbet Street, Hall Street, Boyne Street, Hopwood Lane, King Cross Street, Cow Green, Lister Street, Hall Street, Gibbet Street, Hope Street, Hanson Lane, Pellon Lane, Crown Street and terminating at George Street.

This temporary service runs from George Street, Monday - Saturday 0700 – 1900, and Sunday 0900 – 1700, on the hour and every 30 mins.

19 June 2024

Find out what is happening this month on the A629 phase 2 Halifax town centre project. Construction stage underway, temporary signals and crossings, and surveys.

10 June 2024

From 16 June 2024, some bus stops will be suspended, bus routes may be diverted, and passengers may need to board and alight at a different stop to the one they may be used to for journeys into and out of Halifax. 

Read: Changes in Halifax for bus passengers.

You can find out about all the changes to services in Halifax from Metro, or call MetroLine on 0113 245 7676.

8 April 2024

We have updated the A629 phase 2 Halifax town centre frequently asked questions (FAQ).

21 March 2024

We're listening...

Work is starting on the A629 phase 2 Halifax town centre project. As part of this work, we are proposing to make changes to the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). These include changes to waiting restrictions, loading bays and parking.

The updated TRO proposals include changes we made in response to feedback from the informal consultation in February/March 2023. We have made design adjustments to improve accessibility, and changes to loading options, with an additional loading bay on Wards End.

The formal Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) consultation for A629 phase 2 Halifax town centre (western corridor) will run until Thursday 18 April 2024.

Read: Shaping future travel in and around Halifax.

FAQ

We've prepared some answers for some of the questions you may have for this project. We will update the frequently asked questions (FAQ) page throughout the project. If you have a question we have not answered please email us.

22 February 2024

Plans to transform travel and public spaces in and around Halifax town centre are moving forward, with Calderdale Council appointing the construction contractor to carry out the works. 

Read: Contractor appointed for major Halifax town centre improvements.

13 November 2023

Back in February and March 2023 the public were invited to examine proposals for changes to traffic regulations as part of the A629 phase 2 Halifax town centre project.

The traffic regulation order included changes to bus stops and taxi ranks, new cycle features and pedestrian zones,and changes to parking and rerouting of traffic.

The consultation was open from Monday 6 February to midnight on Sunday 5 March 2023.

Results of the consultation are now available to view: Halifax Town Centre Traffic Regulation Order Consultation Results.

Read: Feedback used to shape plans for improved travel in Halifax.

27 July 2023

Overview of proposals for Halifax included in the A629 phase 2 project updated.

6 February 2023

We want to introduce a new Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) so we can:

• create new public spaces,
• develop a sense of place that links with the historic core of Halifax,
• improve accessibility,
• create areas where people can move around free of traffic,
• improve vehicle circulation around the town,
• improve public transport connectivity,
• and support aspirations for inclusive growth in Halifax.

The order includes changes to bus stops and taxi ranks, new cycle and pedestrian zones, changes to parking, and rerouting of traffic.

We're listening

We welcome your views on our proposals. You can use Calderdale TraffWeb to comment, agree, object, or plot an issue on the map. Alternatively, you can send feedback to: a629phase2tro@calderdale.gov.uk.

Please contact us if you would like printed copies or materials in different formats.

This consultation will close on Sunday 5 March 2023. We will review all feedback and use what we learn to develop the designs. These designs will be subject to further formal consultation.

2021

Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) Supplement

On 27 October 2021 a supplement was made to the A629 Phase 2 CPO which ran from 17 December 2020 until 29 January 2021. The supplement is to include an additional plot of land off Church Street and another additional plot of land in front of the Broad Street Plaza. For further information please see the supporting document section on this page where the following documentation is held;

CPO supplement order - Phase 2
CPO supplement map 1 - Phase 2
CPO supplement map 2 - Phase 2
Supplement statement of reasons - Phase 2
CPO supplement newspaper and site notice  - Phase 2

2020

Following Grade II listing status being granted to the former Hughes Corporation building on Square Road, the Eastern Gateway proposals to create a striking public space area between the railway station and the library/Piece Hall have been revised. The new plans now fully encompass the building and it’s felt that this has enhanced the overall aesthetics of the gateway approach with minimal impact to the original highway proposals. 

The revised designs were approved by Planning Committee in June 2020. A Full Business Case (FBC) was submitted to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority in early July 2020 and a final project funding decision was approved in early November at West Yorkshire Combined Authority's Investment Committee. This now allows for the release of a construction tender to the market place. This is likely to happen in Spring 2022 with a view to commencing works on site late 2022/early 2023. This major work, whilst dependent upon bidders’ submitted duration programmes, is likely to reach a summer 2026 completion date, which takes into account the need for business continuity to be maintained throughout the work.

Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) and Side Road Order (SRO) 2020

To see the A629 Phase 2 CPO and SRO 2020 Statement of Case and supporting documentation, please click here