Key details
We’re proposing improvements for travel around the Brighouse area.
The project will support local businesses, help create healthier and fairer communities and protect the local environment.
We’re planning improvements for walking, wheeling, cycling, public transport, and driving.
Current status
On this page
Plans
We want it to be easier and safer to walk, wheel, cycle and use public transport. We also want to support local businesses; help create healthier and fairer communities, and reduce pollution.
These improvements are part of a much wider plan to support growth in local housing and jobs, improve public spaces, and help Brighouse grow sustainably. These changes will make southeast Calderdale a more vibrant place where people want to invest, live, work, visit and study
The project is funded by the UK Government through West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s West Yorkshire-Plus Transport Fund, with some initial funding for early designs from their Transforming Cities Fund. Proposals are subject to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s approval.
Benefits
The A641 is a key route that links Brighouse with Huddersfield and Bradford. We know that every day there is a lot of traffic in the area. There isn't currently a safe, connected and accessible route for walking, wheeling and cycling. Bus journeys are also unreliable.
The A641 Improvement Scheme will deliver an improved and safer transport system providing better access to jobs, education, services, and neighbouring communities, and removing barriers to movement caused by busy roads. This project has been designed and developed with communities.
Aims
We have designed this project with our communities to achieve:
- Safer and more accessible travel for all.
- Easier journeys to work, school and other places.
- Junction improvements and a new bridge to increase reliability.
- Buses have increased priority for more reliable bus journeys.
- A direct, clear route between the town centre and train station.
- Moving in and around Brighouse feels comfortable and connected.
- Easier access to walking, cycling, or using public transport improves health outcomes.
- Sustainable ways to travel that will help the environment.
- A transport network that supports new homes, business and jobs, now and in the future.
These changes will make southeast Calderdale a more vibrant place where people want to invest, live, work, visit and study.
The UK Government is investing in Brighouse through the Town Investment Plan and Local Plan. Two new housing sites are planned at Woodhouse and Thornhills, and a major new Business Park is planned for Clifton. We have designed these proposals to work well with these projects and help more people to travel around using local routes and public transport.
Design
We are proposing improvements at key locations around Bailiff Bridge, Brighouse, and Woodhouse. The proposals have been separated into packages. The packages of improvements will connect with each other to deliver a better network for everyone.
- Pickle Bridge Greenway
- Bailiff Bridge
- Brighouse town centre west
- Brighouse town centre east
- Brighouse Train Station to Woodhouse and M62
We are proposing to provide:
- 1.6 kilometres of high-quality protected cycle track.
- 2.2 kilometres of new or improved greenway routes for walking, wheeling and cycling.
- 1.7 kilometres of new or improved paths for walking, wheeling and cycling.
- 330 metres of new bus lanes.
- Two bus priority routes.
- Seven junction improvements.
- 1.7km of quiet routes with low traffic flows and speeds to improve safety.
- 45 new crossings and 8,700 metres² of new or improved footways.
- 17 junctions with unbroken footways.
- One new bridge across the Calder and Hebble Navigation in Brighouse.
- 1,400 metres² of new or improved public spaces.
- 10+ new cycle parking stands.
Pickle Bridge greenway
We are proposing a new off-road walking, wheeling and cycling route between Lower Wyke Lane and Thornhills Beck Lane. The Pickle Bridge Greenway will link through Wellholme Park to Brighouse town centre via Clifton Road.
Download the plans: Pickle Bridge Greenway proposals (PDF, 8 pages)
The Pickle Bridge Greenway will run along an old railway line and connect with the Brighouse town centre east improvements, where walking, wheeling and cycling journeys can continue.
This route will improve connections between the new housing development at Thornhills, Bailiff Bridge, and Brighouse town centre.
The route will have seating and rest areas, and link into Wellholme Park. This will help connect people more easily to green space and provide an attractive leisure route for everyone to use.
Key features include:
- A path made from a smooth, sustainable recycled surface, that will drain and rainwater and limit the impact on surrounding trees
- Seating and rest areas along the route, and a view of the pond
- New fencing to make the route feel safe and well-defined
The footway at Birkhouse Road will be widened and resurfaced to provide a safe and accessible walking and wheeling connection to the new Greenway.
We will provide a new footway along Thornhills Beck Lane. This will give people their own space away from vehicles between the new Greenway and Wellholme Park.
Bailiff Bridge
We’re proposing to make it safer and easier for people to walk, wheel, cycle or drive around Bailiff Bridge.
Download the plans: Bailiff Bridge proposals (PDF, 1 page)
Key features include:
- Four new crossings at Bailiff Bridge junction with traffic lights.
- New crossings on the approaches to the junction: one on Bradford Road and one to the east on Birkby Lane.
- Wider footways.
- Smoother and more reliable traffic flow.
- A connection between Bailiff Bridge and the new Pickle Bridge Greenway
Brighouse town centre west
We are proposing improve the flow of traffic around Brighouse and create a welcoming gateway to the town centre for walking, wheeling and cycling.
Download the plans: Brighouse town centre west proposals (PDF, 1 page)
Key features include:
- A new bridge across the Calder and Hebble Navigation
- New walking, wheeling and cycling routes
- Parking changes
New bridge
The new bridge for driving, walking, wheeling, and cycling will connect the A643 between Owler Ings Road and Bridge Road. There will be no weight restriction. The new bridge will provide a direct north-south connection for those driving and offer a reliable alternative to the A641 Huddersfield Road crossing, complementing the Brighouse town centre east proposals, and improving overall traffic flow in Brighouse.
The bridge will feature a carriageway, two cycle tracks separated from traffic, and two footways.
We will add two crossings too, one at each end of the bridge. On the northern side we will create a new connection to the towpath.
Walking, wheeling and cycling routes
We are proposing unbroken routes for walking, wheeling and cycling on Bridge Road and Owler Ings Road. We will add new zebra crossings at the Gooder Street roundabout, so those walking, wheeling and cycling have priority.
We propose to prioritise walking, wheeling and cycling along Briggate over the existing bridge towards Thornton Square.
Sections of the towpath will be resurfaced so it is smoother and safer.
Bridge Road access will change to local motor traffic only and Owler Ings Road will be closed to through-traffic. The existing bridge and surrounding area will be quieter and more pleasant for walking, wheeling and cycling, creating a welcoming gateway to Brighouse town centre.
Cycle stands will be made available for those wishing to secure bikes.
Parking changes
We are proposing new bays for parking and loading on Owler Ings Road and measures to stop parking on the footway. This will make the area safer and more attractive for all. The layout of Daisy Street car park will be updated with improved road markings, new disabled bays, new motorcycle parking and electric vehicle charging points. Owler Ings car park will close permanently.
Brighouse town centre east
We are proposing to make it safer and easier to get around the eastern side of Brighouse town centre. This includes Wellholme Park and Brighouse Train Station.
Download the plans: Brighouse town centre east proposals (PDF, 4 pages)
Key features include:
- New crossings and junction improvements
- Bus priority improvements
- Welcoming gateway
- Walking, wheeling and cycling routes
Crossing and junction improvements
We are proposing new crossings to make it safer and easier to get around Brighouse. We will upgrade signals and layouts of busy junctions to improve how traffic moves through the area.
North of Tesco roundabout, a new zebra crossing will help people cross this busy section of road safely, whether heading to Tesco or back towards the town centre.
North of Bonegate Road, a new crossing will provide a safe link across the A641 with Wellholme Park. A new crossing next to Phoenix Bridge (A643/A644) will make it easier to cross the road for access to Wellholme Park. Three new crossings will improve safety at the Mill Royd Street junction with the A641.
A new layout will replace the roundabout allowing for new crossings and a cycle track linking Sainsbury’s and the town centre.
A new crossing for cyclists across Lüdenscheid Link will complement the existing subway, which will be prioritised for walking and wheeling.
Bus priority improvements
We will add a new bus stop near Sainsbury’s. New bus lanes are proposed between Sainsburys and Huddersfield Road in both directions.
Welcoming gateway
A new welcoming gateway into the town centre will include features like planting and benches.
Walking, wheeling, and cycling routes
We are proposing a new cycling route between the train station and the town centre. The separate cycle track will lie between the existing footway and the carriageway. Some sections will share space between those cycling, walking or wheeling, on a widened footway.
We will widen the footway between Tesco and Wellholme Park. This will be a shared-use route for walking, wheeling and cycling. Access to Mill Lane will be changed to walking, wheeling, and cycling only.
These changes will allow more cycling journeys into the town centre to be separated from motor traffic.
Cycle stands will be made available for those wishing to secure bikes.
New crossing points will improve safety and prioritise walking, wheeling and cycling in the area.
Brighouse Train Station to Woodhouse and M62
We are proposing to make the route along Huddersfield Road, between Toothill Lane and Brighouse Train Station, safer and more pleasant for everyone.
The changes will better connect residents to Brighouse rail station and town centre and connect homes in Woodhouse to the transport network.
Download the plans: Brighouse Train Station to Woodhouse and M62 proposals (PDF, 8 pages)
Key features include:
- Walking, wheeling and cycling routes
- New and improved crossing points
- Junction improvements and speed limit change
Walking, wheeling and cycling improvements
A new cycling route will be provided between the train station and Toothill Lane. Some sections will be shared with those walking and wheeling using a widened footway.
This route will be unbroken across junctions and driveways from Railway Street to Toothill Lane. This will give those walking, wheeling and cycling priority.
We will upgrade the existing muddy off-road path to Lords Lane with a gravel surface for year-round use.
We will add wayfinding signs to guide people between the new Woodhouse development and the train station.
Cycle stands will be made available for those wishing to secure their bikes in the area.
New and improved crossing points
New and improved crossing points will be provided along the route at:
- Shepherds Thorn Lane linking to the planned Woodhouse development,
- Lyndhurst Grove Road,
- Armitage Avenue,
- Daisy Road and
- Lords Lane.
Northbound bus stops will be positioned near to the new crossing points.
Junction improvements and speed limit changes
Toothill Lane junction will be changed so vehicles are slower and have better visibility at the junction.
The speed limit on Huddersfield Road from Toothill Lane junction towards Brighouse town centre will be reduced from 40mph to 30mph to improve safety for everyone.
We're listening...
These proposals have been designed to work well with other projects in and around Brighouse. This includes the town deal improvements, the Environment Agency’s Flood Alleviation Scheme in Wellholme Park, as well as new homes and Clifton Business Park. The designs are informed by stakeholder engagement and public feedback.
Some examples of changes informed by community feedback include:
- We have included a proposal for the route of Pickle Bridge Greenway along an old railway instead of a cycle track along a section of Bradford Road.
- We have taken a proposal for a cycle track from Bailiff Bridge to Brookroyd Avenue and Bonegate Road out of the plans in response to concerns about the impact it may have had on parking availability.
- We have included a proposal to reduce the speed limit along a section of Huddersfield Road from 40mph to 30mph to improve safety.
- We have removed a proposal for a cycle track along Armytage Road from the plans in response to concerns about the impact on road space.
- We have kept the subway under the Lüdenscheid Link for walking and wheeling in the latest proposals. This is in response to safety concerns over a previous proposal to close the subway. We propose a new cycle crossing across the Lüdenscheid Link.
- We have proposed a new position for a planned crossing at the Bonegate Road junction to minimise traffic-related pollution for local residents.
We hope that the latest proposals better reflect what the community needs and what will work best for the area, now and in the future.
Progress
29 October 2025
People are invited to have their say on the latest plans to transform travel in and around Brighouse, with proposals including a new off-road greenway and significant investment in highway infrastructure to make travel easier and more reliable. Read: New plans to better connect Brighouse, Bailiff Bridge and Woodhouse.
27 October 2025
This page has been updated with the latest proposals for the A641 Improvement Scheme.
Have your say on these proposals by Sunday, 23 November 2025. Take part in the A641 Improvement Scheme consultation on Your Voice or attend one of the drop-in events:
- Thursday 6 November 2025, 5pm - 8pm, Bailiff Bridge Community Centre, Victoria Road, Bailiff Bridge, Brighouse, HD6 4DX.
- Friday 7 November 2025, 3pm - 5pm, The Space @ Field Lane, Burnsall Road, Rastrick, Brighouse, HD6 3JT.
- Saturday 15 November 2025, 10.30am - 1.30pm, St John's Community Hall, Gooder Lane, Rastrick, Brighouse, HD6 1HN.
27 March 2025
The survey programme started in 2024 is now complete. The results of the surveys are being used to evaluate current designs against the conditions on the ground and further develop the plans that will be taken forward for construction.
30 September 2024
We’re carrying out surveys along the old Pickle Bridge Railway to help develop the designs for the Pickle Bridge Greenway.
Work will begin on Tuesday 1 October 2024 for around 8 weeks. During this time the highlighted area on the map below will be closed to the public.
29 July 2024
We have reduced the scope of this project (subject to WYCA approval). Calderdale Council will deliver the aspects of the proposals within Calderdale only.
Bradford Council and Kirklees Council remain committed to delivering aspects of the proposals within their boundaries.
Following the consultation that ran from November 2022 to January 2023 we have made changes to the proposals. The changes include:
- We have removed the proposal for a segregated cycle lane along Bradford Road between Bailiff Bridge and Bonegate junction.
- We have removed the proposal for a cycle lane on Armytage Road and Huntingdon Road.
- Proposals for the area next to Brighouse Station have been revised.
We will be contacting those who are affected by these changes in the coming weeks.
Read: Step forward for A641 improvements.
18 April 2024
We will be surveying pavements in and around Brighouse and the A641 from 22 April 2024 for around 6 weeks.
We will take 90 pavement core samples and open up 5 trial holes. What we learn from the surveys will help us to develop designs for the A641 Improvement Scheme. Some pavements will be closed, and we will set up temporary signals. We will do some of the work at night and on weekends to reduce disruption.
20 March 2024
We're starting ground survey works in Brighouse from 25 March 2024.
The survey work will help us to complete designs for the A641 improvement scheme and Brighouse Town Deal projects.
We will close the towpath between Brighouse Market and Ganny Foot Bridge so we can do the surveys. A short diversion will be in place. The footway at the front of the market on Briggate will also be closed.
Some parking spaces in Owler Ings and Daisy Street car parks will not be available during the survey works.
5 February 2024
Members will consider proposals for significant investment to enable new sustainable growth opportunities in and around Brighouse, which will support the delivery of the Local Plan for Calderdale.
Read: Supporting a thriving future in south east Calderdale.
November 2023
From November 2022 to January 2023 the public were invited to examine proposals to provide better connections, better access and better places for communities and all users of the A641.
The A641 Consultation Summary Report is now available to view on the A641 Improvement Scheme page on Your Voice.
24 July 2023
We are sharing proposals for the part of the scheme around Lower Wyke Lane and Wyke Old Lane near Brighouse.
We’re hosting two drop-in sessions for people that want to speak to a member of the project team about the proposals in this area on:
- Wednesday 26th July 2023, 3pm to 6.30pm, or
- Wednesday 2nd August 2023, 3pm to 6.30pm,
at Lower Wyke Moravian Church, Lower Wyke Lane, Lower Wyke, Bradford, BD12 9AH
You can view the proposals or get in touch with the project team if you have any questions or comments.
29 November 2022
We want to know what you think of our proposals. The latest plans and designs are available on Your Voice: A641 Improvement Scheme. The consultation is open until 8 January 2023.
We will use what you tell us to help us to produce more detailed designs.
July 2022
The Outline Business Case (OBC), was approved by West Yorkshire Combined Authority and work will now go into developing the Final Business Case (FBC).
June 2022
We will be following up the ground radar survey work with additional investigation work to collect core samples at eight sites in central Brighouse. This work will help us better understand the make up of the material below the surface.
May 2022
Ground radar surveys were undertaken in and around Brighouse during May to investigate what services are underground and the condition of the ground. This information will help up further develop the plans.
We have answered some of the questions people ask us about ground investigation for the A641 Bradford - Brighouse - Huddersfield project. Find out more: A641 Bradford - Brighouse - Huddersfield ground investigation FAQ.
November 2021
We have used the feedback from the public consultation, which ended on 15 August 2021, to update the designs. We are now working on the next stage: the preparation of the Outline Business Case for the project.
June 2021
Concept designs for a short-list of options are in preparation. We plan to share and consult on them in summer 2021. We will use feedback to shape the preferred final scheme for the A641 and Brighouse TCF, and to ensure our plans continue to reflect the needs of stakeholders.
An Outline Business Case is being developed which will present a preferred scheme and preliminary designs for both the A641 project and Brighouse TCF.
April 2021
Galliford Try have been appointed to support the development of the scheme using a best-practice approach called Early Contract Involvement (ECI). This aim of this approach is to ensure a best value-for-money scheme is developed, to reduce or mitigate construction risks, and identify opportunities at an early stage.
August 2020
Sweco have been appointed as consultants to work closely with us during the development of the Outline Business Case (OBC). The OBC will include preliminary designs detailing a preferred scheme, which will be shaped by feedback from the Common Place engagement (February 2021), public consultation (summer 2021) and partnership working with stakeholders.
June 2020
The Strategic Outline Business Case was approved by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. The A641 scheme will now progress through development of an Outline Business Case.
Funding
Approximate scheme value: £65M.
This project was made possible through funding from:
