The A646/A6033 Corridor Improvement Programme, a major road improvement initiative, is making significant progress in its mission to enhance journey times, alleviate congestion, and promote active travel.
The programme, in collaboration with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, spans from Todmorden to Skircoat Moor, near Halifax, and aims to tackle long-standing congestion issues, enhance facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, and reduce delays for local bus services along the bustling Calderdale route.
Presently, construction work is underway in the Hebden Bridge area to improve safety on this busy highway section. The initial phase concentrated on the region between Stubbing Holme Road and the junction with Heptonstall Road, where the widening of the pavement and installation of associated crossing improvements have been completed.
To encourage cycling and provide a safer environment for existing riders, a new westbound cycle lane is being established between Station Road and Fallingroyd. This move necessitates the removal of on-street parking spaces along this section.
Additionally, a limited number of spaces on Market Street will be eliminated to alleviate delays and bolster bus services in Hebden Bridge. In recent times, additional parking has been created in Hebden Bridge, while Mytholmroyd railway station now boasts 194 spaces, catering to rail users as a park-and-ride facility. Once flood defence work is finished, the Council is collaborating with the Environment Agency to construct a new car park at Stubbing Holme.
Further enhancements are scheduled to improve pedestrian facilities for those walking into town from the rail station. Footway widening is planned for the currently narrow stretch of pavement between Albert Street and Commercial Street.
Throughout the construction process, every effort is being made to minimize disruptions. The work is being carried out in stages, and whenever feasible, it will occur outside of peak hours. For instance, the upcoming resurfacing of Market Street is scheduled to take place at night without any traffic management during the day.
Councillor Scott Patient, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Active Travel, and Housing, expressed, “The work being carried out in Hebden Bridge is part of a larger improvement program that will revitalize this busy route, benefiting those residing, working, or traveling in and around the upper Calder Valley. While the work may cause temporary disruptions, we aim to minimize them as much as possible and employ traffic management only when necessary within the town center. In the long run, the project will address long-standing concerns related to inadequate pavement widths along this bustling stretch of highway. The scheme also encompasses measures to promote safer active travel and enhance bus service reliability.”
Councillor Peter Carlill, Deputy Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, also expressed enthusiasm, stating, “It is fantastic to witness progress in transforming travel in and around Hebden Bridge as part of our investment in the region. These improvements will bring long-term benefits to the people of Calderdale, making walking, cycling, wheeling, and using public transport more accessible. It aligns with our goal to create a better-connected West Yorkshire where towns and businesses can thrive.”
The A646/A6033 Corridor Improvement Programme has additional works planned along its entire length, including Todmorden, Mytholmroyd, Luddendenfoot, Sowerby Bridge, and King Cross.
