Halifax: Drivers warned to be ready for major new town centre works
Drivers using routes around the eastern – bottom end of town – part of Halifax town centre should be prepared for diversions as major multi-million pound regeneration work begins on Monday (April 27).
While there should be relief for people using the western, top end of town, routes, where major changes are now being finalised, and also some businesses who say they have been affected by those, work on another key area is getting under way.
Calderdale Council is delivering the West Yorkshire Combined Authority-funded A629 phase 2 Halifax town centre project, which aims to improve journey times for everyone, make travel safer, improve public spaces and air quality, and boost economic growth.
Upgrades at the bottom of town will include a better connection between Halifax Rail Station and the town centre, allowing people to cross from the train station towards the Central Library and the Piece Hall in one movement, making travel to and from the station safer and easier.
There will be a new road and new routes to improve traffic flow.
This will also create an open and welcoming public space on the approach to the Piece Hall, as well as a new parking area on Alfred Street East.
New bus stops will help bus operators to provide easy links between the rail station, bus station and other parts of town.
Changes are also being made to the layout of Charlestown Road and New Bank, aiming to reduce congestion and queues at this busy junction, says the council.
But drivers are warned that during construction works temporary traffic lights and localised diversions will be in place to keep traffic moving around work areas.
Traffic travelling from the south will be directed around the newly completed western side of the town to avoid congestion and possible queues at the bottom of town.
The council says there will be some unavoidable delays, so people are advised to plan ahead and allow more time for journeys around Halifax.
Access for walking and wheeling will be maintained – pavements and crossings will be open during the work, although there will be times when they may need to close for safety reasons.
When footpaths are closed, the council will make sure there is still access to businesses and homes with signed diversions making it clear where to cross the road, it says.
Access to the town centre and attractions will be maintained throughout the works, however people choose to travel.
Once complete, the project will enable everyone to move more easily and safely around the town, with new junction layouts that are more efficient and upgraded signals that work together to keep traffic moving when it gets busy, says the council.
Calderdale Council’s Director for Regeneration and Strategy, Shelagh O’Neill, says construction work at the top end of town due to complete was the most complex part of the project because it had so many work areas and different junctions to navigate.
Drivers need to be aware construction is switching to the bottom end of town.
“Diversion routes will be well signed, but it’s a good idea to plan ahead and leave extra time for your journey.
“There is lots of useful information on our Next Chapter website to familiarise yourself with the changes and plan your route before travelling,” she said.