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.
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.
The scheme aims to improve walking, cycling, and public transport links, helping people access more jobs, education, training and health care while reducing congestion and air pollution caused by traffic emissions.
The scheme has received £15million from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority's Transforming Cities Fund.
The scheme is a collaborative project between the West Yorkshire Combined Authority , Kirklees Council and the Walk, Wheel and Cycle Trust (previously known as Sustrans).
Esh Construction have been appointed to undertake the work on Bradford Road.
Plans
Spen Valley Greenway: Cleckheaton to Liversedge
On site from: June 2025.
Expected completion: November 2025.
- Resurfacing and widening 2km (1.5miles) length of greenway, giving it a smoother finish for a better experience for everyone.
- New signage and lighting to improve safety.
- Easier and more accessible access points on and off the greenway.
- Improved cycle links to Spen Greenway.
- Spen Valley Greenway is closed for the duration of the works with a signed footway diversion in place.
Bradford Road and Halifax Road
On site from: October 2025
Expected completion: Summer 2026.
- New controlled puffin crossing at Market Street to improve pedestrian safety.
- New and upgraded footways along the new segregated cycle lane.
- Multiple new signal-controlled crossings installed, including toucan crossings along the cycle lane section.
- Speed limit reduced from 40mph to 30mph along the bus lane section of Bradford Road to support pedestrian safety.
- Retaining wall constructed to support highway widening and accommodate the new bus infrastructure.
Bus lane
A key element of the scheme is a 0.7 kilometre bus lane on the Bradford Road approach to Chain Bar.
Despite improvements to the junction as part of the Chain Bar Roundabout Improvement Scheme which was completed in 2024, buses continue to experience delays during peak times, affecting reliability. The bus lane will allow services to bypass congestion, improving journey times for both public transport and motorists.
This approach is supported by Arriva, aligns with national guidance, and both the council and The Combined Authority's ambitions for a more integrated, reliable bus network, making public transport a more attractive option.
We are committed to mitigating any loss of trees through a range of measures, including a new hedgerow, new planting along the site plus additional tree planting across Cleckheaton - and further afield through the council's broader tree planting programmes. Ecological surveys have also been completed to ensure full compliance with all legal protections for wildlife, and with our commitment to biodiversity. Our surveys also show that some of the existing trees had been affected by Ash dieback and were generally not of a high quality.
Benefits
A new bus lane, better transport links, cycleways and access points from the greenway, there are more travel options, for more people.
The scheme contributes to the Net Zero and Climate Ready by 2038, our target to reduce harmful emissions and have a positive impact on the environment and climate change.
We are committed to mitigating any loss of trees. New hedgerow and planting along the site plus additional tree planting across Cleckheaton and further afield through the council's broader tree planting programmes. Ecological surveys have also been completed to ensure full compliance with all legal protections for wildlife, and with our commitment to biodiversity. Our surveys also show that some of the existing trees had been affected by Ash dieback and were generally not of a high quality.
Reliable public transport and better access links between Spen Valley Greenway and Cleckheaton make it easier for residents to access more education, training, employment and leisure opportunities in Kirklees.
Better provision for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport will improve journey times for public transport users and motorists. Better infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.
Improving access points on and off the greenway, providing better connections to public transport and town centres.
Additional traffic signals, crossings and cycleways provide additional safety, making sustainable travel options more practical.
A reduced speed limit and signalled pedestrian cycle friendly crossings making it easier and safer to cross a main road.
Spen Valley Greenway will be more accessible for people with mobility needs, wheelchair users, and people with pushchairs.
