We have launched a public engagement on proposals to improve roads at four busy routes to the south of Huddersfield.
Where are the improvement proposals for?
The scheme, known at the ‘Huddersfield Southern Corridors’, has been developed by us in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and would be funded through the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund. It outlines improvement proposals to roads at Lockwood, Longroyd Bridge, Folly Hall and Queensgate that all aim to better manage traffic, reduce queues and improve conditions for cyclists and pedestrians.
When can I view the plans and have my say?
The public can view plans and have their say from Monday 30 September to Friday 25 October 2019.
Cllr Peter McBride, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet member for Regeneration said:
“Whether you travel by car, bus, bike or foot, a well-functioning network of roads is essential to improve access to the jobs, goods and services Huddersfield town centre has to offer.
This investment in our roads is more than just about new tarmac. By making the suggested improvements to junctions we can help commuters and visitors move around quicker and easier and make the town centre more attractive to business and investment.
The improved pedestrian areas and joined up cycle routes also gives the option for more people to walk and cycle as attitudes towards environmental issues means more people are finding greener ways to travel.
Overall, this improved accessibility to the town centre complements the Huddersfield Blueprint, our 10 year vision to create a thriving, modern-day town centre.”
Cllr Kim Groves, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee said:
“These West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund proposals have been designed to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion on these four routes.
As well as speeding up people’s car journeys and creating better routes for people who walk and cycle, these schemes will help make local bus services more attractive by improving their reliability and punctuality and help reduce the local air pollution caused by standing traffic.
I would encourage people to have a look at the plans and have their say on the proposals.”
What are the plans?
Reducing the amount of traffic flow through the community area of Lockwood Bar will see the left turn from Lockwood Road into Bridge Street, as well as the right turn into Bridge Street limited to buses only. A new signalised junction at Crowther Street will provide a two-way traffic link between Albert Street and Lockwood Road. Pedestrian crossing facilities will be provided across Lockwood Road and Crowther Street along with resurfacing of road and footpaths and landscaping.
At Longroyd Bridge, a second lane will be created on Longroyd Lane towards the A62 Manchester Road, helping to reduce queues and delays. Improvements will also be made to existing pedestrian and cycling facilities including an advanced stop line at the junction for bikes.
Folly Hall improvements include extending the existing right turn lanes from Lockwood Road, into Colne Road and St Thomas Road, mainly by reducing the width of the central reservation to achieve more road space.
New and improved crossings will be provided at Shorehead roundabout and Wakefield Road, helping to link the University to the town centre and make crossing the road easier. Footway and highway resurfacing, landscaping and area enhancements will provide wider cycle and pedestrian spaces on Queensgate.
How can I have my say?
You can view the plans and comment on them by visiting The West Yorkshire Combined Authority website.
Alternatively, an unstaffed exhibition will be on display throughout the engagement period at Huddersfield Library. The council has also arranged drop-in exhibitions, where people can view plans and ask questions:
- Wednesday 9th October, 9am – 4pm, at Cathedral House, Huddersfield.
- Friday 11th October, 10am – 7pm at Lockwood Baptist Church, Huddersfield.
How is the scheme funded?
The Huddersfield Southern Corridors scheme forms part of wider plans to improve road access across Kirklees and is funded through the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund.
The West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund is supported through the Leeds City Region Growth Deal – a £1 billion package of Government investment through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to accelerate growth and create jobs across Leeds City Region.
Does the scheme compliment the Huddersfield Blueprint?
The scheme also compliments the Huddersfield Blueprint launched in summer 2019, to create a thriving, modern-day town centre.
Comments received during the engagement, will be used to help finalise plans.