A629 Halifax to Huddersfield

Project overview

The A629 Halifax to Huddersfield project is Phase 4 of a package of improvements for the A629, which are being jointly delivered by Kirklees Council and Calderdale Council.

The A629 proposals also form part of a wider programme of transport improvements across West Yorkshire, being delivered under the West Yorkshire 'Plus' Transport Fund.

This project aims to complement the work of the four other A629 improvement projects by improving walking, cycling and bus infrastructure along the A629 corridor.

Supporting information

• About the A629 Halifax to Huddersfield (Phase 4) scheme

Update

The project has been funded by the West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund (WY+TF) but due to the current economic climate, high rates of inflation has resulted in a funding shortfall. Following a joint review with Calderdale and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), a difficult decision was taken to put the project on hold until a new funding source has been identified. This does not mean that the hard work to date will go to waste, but instead, once a new funding source has been identified the project will continue from the existing development stage.

Project overview

The A629 Halifax Road project is Phase 5 of a package of improvements for the A629 between Halifax and Huddersfield which are being jointly delivered by Kirklees Council and Calderdale Council.

The A629 proposals also form part of a wider programme of transport improvements across West Yorkshire, being delivered under the West Yorkshire 'Plus' Transport Fund

The Phase 5 project is aiming to ease congestion, reduce journey times and create capacity on the corridor between Ainley Top roundabout and Huddersfield ring road to accommodate future housing and employment growth needed for the vitality of Kirklees, its neighbours and the wider region.

In early January 2018, the council began engagement with landowners to secure the purchase of land and in June we published the plans and asked for people's views. As a result we have made a few changes to the scheme. Please see 'Supporting information' for further information.

Supporting information

• Cabinet report
• About the A629 Halifax Road Scheme
• WYCA Report - Expression of Interest Approval - Pages 21 and 22
• Latest news about the A629 scheme

Tree planting plans

Any trees removed as part of the scheme will be replaced with mature trees at the new boundary lines. In total, up to 126 trees will be removed, however a comprehensive re-planting scheme is being offered to all affected landowners. This will lead to semi-mature trees (5 to 7m tall) being planted to replace those lost. The proposed tree planting programme is:

Blacker Road / Edgerton Road junction

This will see 52 trees planted in residential gardens, a further 3 within Edgerton Cemetery and 35 within the new highway.

Halifax Road / Birkby Road junction

12 replacement trees have been offered to the Church of Latter Day Saints along with 6 trees within an affected residential garden and 12 within the new residential off-street parking area.

These trees will be planted as the scheme progresses rather than at the end, to minimise the visual and environmental impacts.

Ainley Top

Around 650 young trees will be planted to create a new woodland. Substantial hedgerow and other planting will also be provided. In total over 750 new trees will be planted along the route.

Next steps

The dates below outline the proposed key milestones in which the council is currently working towards delivering the A629 Phase 5 project.

Schedule for the A629 Halifax Road scheme

Date	Activity
December 2017	Cabinet Report - WYTF Update.
January 2018	Landowners informed about the proposals.
January 2018	Outline business case submitted to West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) for approval.
March 2018	Outline business case approved by WYCA.
June/August 2018	Public engagement completed.
May 2021	Full business case to be submitted to WYCA for approval.
June 2021	Planning application submitted.
October 2021	Decision anticipated on planning application.
October 2021	Decision expected from WYCA on full business case approval.
January 2022	Anticipated construction start date. A more detailed update will be provided in January.