A638 Dewsbury - Cleckheaton Sustainable Travel Corridor (STC)
The A638 is a key for the Kirklees transport network, connecting communities to jobs, training education and health services in Dewsbury, Heckmondwike and Cleckheaton, and provides an important link to the city of Bradford. This scheme will help create a network that will support everyday journeys and provide safer active travel opportunities.
The Spen Valley Greenway is a traffic-free green corridor which runs parallel to the A638 and forms part of the National Cycle Network. It is a key route for cyclists and is enjoyed by people who walk and appreciate the green space and artwork installations along the scenic route.
We are working with the charity Sustrans to upgrade accessibility, lighting and surfacing on a 2km (1.5-mile) section of the Greenway between the Tesco supermarket, Cleckheaton and Knowler Hill Tunnel at Liversedge.
The scheme is a collaborative project between the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), Kirklees Council and the charity Sustrans.
The scheme has received £15 million funding from the WYCA's Transforming Cities Fund.
Plans
Bradford Road and Halifax Road
- Controlled puffin crossing for improved pedestrian safety.
- New footways along Bradford and Halifax Road.
- Reduce the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph from Chain bar Roundabout along Bradford Road.
- New bus lane on Bradford Road, creating bus priority and improve reliability.
Spen Valley Greenway: Cleckheaton to Liversedge
- Resurfacing and widening 2km (1.5miles) length of greenway, giving it a smoother finish for a better experience for everyone.
- New signage and lighting which will improve safety.
- Easier and more accessible access points on and off the greenway.
- Improved cycle links to Spen Greenway.
- Spen Valley Greenway will be closed for the duration of the works with a signed footway diversion in place.
Spen Valley Greenway diversion route
Spen Valley Greenway diversion route plan
Heading south
Leave Spen Valley Greenway at Vine Street; South on Vine Street; East on Whitcliffe Road; South and then East on Prospect Road; South on Tofts Road; West on A643 Westgate; South then South-west on Hightown Road; South-east on A649 Halifax Road; Rejoin Spen Valley Greenway near junction with Headlands Road.
Heading north
Leave Spen Valley Greenway at Flower Pot Café; North-west on A649 Halifax Road; North-east then North on Hightown Road; East on A643 Westgate; North on Tofts Road; West and then North on Prospect Road; West on Whitcliffe Road; North on Vine Street; Rejoin Spen Valley Greenway.
Benefits
Improved journey times
Better facilities for cyclists, pedestrians, motorists and public transport will improve journey times.
Economy and employment
With better access points on and off the greenway and better links to public transport, it will be easier to access even more education, training, employment and leisure opportunities across Kirklees.
Environment
With the introduction of the bus lane and improved cycleways, more people can realistically opt for sustainable travel options, contributing to the Net Zero and Climate Ready by 2038.
Active travel
Encourage more people to walk, wheel and cycle along the Spen Valley Greenway.
Network connectivity
Improving access points on and off the greenway, providing better connections to public transport.
Safety
Signalled pedestrian friendly junctions making it easier and safer to cross as well as a reduced speed limit.
Improved safety and access on the greenway so more people can choose walk, wheel and cycle.
Progress
- Concept design and public consultation - November 2021
- Preliminary design - August 2022
- Detailed design - September 2024
- Tendering - November 2024
Consultation details
The first public consultation closed on the 17 August 2021.
Responses to the surveys were:
- A638 Zones 1-3: 351
- A638 Zones 4-6: 103
- Spen Valley Greenway and Ringway: 340
- Heckmondwike Bus Station: 133
All comments will be taken into account during the subsequent design and business case. Your Voice: A638 Dewsbury - Cleckheaton Sustainable Travel Corridor includes a public consultation report summarising all feedback.
Next steps
- Work on the Spen Valley Greenway will start in June 2025.
- Approved tenderers - December 2024