A629 phase 2 Halifax town centre frequently asked questions (FAQ)

If you have a question we have not answered please email us.

Why are we spending money on this work?

The West Yorkshire Plus Transport fund provides financial support for projects to improve connectivity, journey time reliability, travel choice, and local economic growth. We secured funds for projects to upgrade the A629 and Halifax town centre following an application to regional and central government.

The funding was granted to improve the flow of traffic and to make improvements for walking, cycling and buses.

If we hadn’t bid for this money for Calderdale, it would have been a lost opportunity, which may well have benefitted another authority.

Why aren't we spending the money for this project on potholes (or something else)?

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority fund this project through the West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund. We can only use the money for this project, and it is attached to specific spending criteria set out by the Combined Authority.

You can report a road or pavement defect.

What work is being done?

We are creating new public spaces, improving accessibility, creating areas where people can move around free of traffic, improving vehicle circulation around the town and public transport connectivity, and supporting our aspirations for inclusive growth.

Discover the plans for the A629 phase 2 Halifax town centre project.

When will the work be complete?

The plan is for the project to be completed by summer 2028.

Work will be completed in three parts; western, eastern and central; with work on each section to run consecutively to minimise disruption.

Why are we creating new cycle lanes when the highway code states cyclists should ride in the centre of a lane?

Cycle tracks “are routes for cyclists that are physically protected or located away from motor traffic”. The new cycle lanes have been designed to consider LTN 1/20 cycle infrastructure design guidance. This guidance aims to provide space for cyclists away from cars and other vehicles and reduce conflict.

Will utilities or other services be disrupted because of the work?

Underneath the project area there are many cables and pipes that are the responsibility of various utility companies (gas, electric, water, cable, broadband fibre etc). Contractor Galliford Try will drill trial holes to identify utilities before they begin construction. Some of these cables will need to be diverted or protected. It is the responsibility of the utility companies to carry out this work, and to communicate with any customers who it may affect.

Will any bus stops close during the work?

Some bus stops may close or move temporarily. We work with local bus operators to make sure bus drivers and passengers are aware of any changes in advance.

West Yorkshire Metro provide information about disruption to bus services in West Yorkshire and about changes resulting from the A629 phase 2 Halifax town centre project.

Will buses still be able to get into Halifax town centre once the project is complete?

We have worked with bus operators and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to make sure it is easy for people to catch their bus in Halifax.

Buses will be able to get into the town centre once we have delivered the A629 phase 2 Halifax town centre project. Buses will use stops on a bus loop at:

  • George Street
  • Commercial Street
  • King Edward Street
  • Horton Street
  • Broad Street
  • Northgate

We will add bus stops on the eastern side of the town centre from Church Street to Winding Road, and a mini bus-rail interchange on Alfred Street East. It will be easier for bus passengers to connect to rail services or get to the Piece Hall and Halifax Central Library and Archives.

Buses will no longer be able to access Market Street which we will be pedestrianising.

The routes for some services and the final location of some bus stops will need to change a little so we can improve the layout of some key junctions.

Will footways and crossings be open during the work?

Yes. There will be times when we need to close them for safety reasons. When we need to close footpaths, we will make sure there is still access to businesses and residential properties and provide suitable pedestrian diversions. Diversions will be signposted, and we’ll make it clear where to cross the road.

I’ve seen bad driving and illegal manoeuvres due to the road works. What is being done to address this?

We have put traffic management measures in place after discussion and agreement with the relevant authorities. This process identifies a traffic management system that is safe and proportionate for the planned construction activities. Regardless of any disruption road users are still expected to abide by the rules of the road. The police are aware of the construction work. Any illegal manoeuvres or bad driving are a matter for the police.

Is all the construction work in Halifax connected to the A629 phase 2 Halifax town centre project?

No. 

Several construction projects are underway in and around Halifax:

ProjectDelivered by:Key details (as of August 2024)

A629 phase 2 Halifax town centre

 

Calderdale Council 

Galliford Try

We’re delivering regeneration in Halifax. We’re creating new public spaces, improving accessibility, creating areas where people can move around free of traffic, improving vehicle circulation around the town and public transport connectivity, and supporting our aspirations for inclusive growth.
A629 Calder and Hebble Junction (Phase 1b)

Calderdale Council

Sisk

We’re improving the flow of traffic and making it easier to walk, cycle or take public transport on the A629 south of Halifax. Work includes highway widening, a new link road between the A629 and Stainland Road, a new bridge, new roundabout, and new traffic signals at the junction with Jubilee Road.
Halifax Future High StreetsCalderdale Council

The plan for Halifax town centre includes connected proposals designed to improve access for visitors, create more welcoming spaces, and make sure Halifax remains a great place for people to connect with each other.

Elements of the project include:

Beech Hill

Calderdale Council

Together Housing

The Beech Hill development offers good quality, affordable homes within walking distance of the town centre.

Work was completed early 2023.

Cow Green ApartmentsPlacefirstA brand new neighbourhood of 122 homes built specifically for private rent in the town centre of Halifax. Energy efficient, high quality 1 and 2 bed apartments.
Lloyds Bank refurbishmentLloyds Banking GroupSignificant improvements to our Trinity Road building in Halifax
North Halifax Improved Streets for PeopleCalderdale CouncilImprovements for walking and cycling journeys in north Halifax.
A629 Orange Street roundabout to OgdenCalderdale CouncilProposals to reduce delays for everyone who travels along the route, including those by bus; and make it easier and safer to travel on foot or by bike, particularly between Lee Mount or Illingworth and Halifax town centre.
Halifax Leisure CentreCalderdale CouncilA new multi-million-pound swimming pool and leisure centre for Halifax funded by UK Government.
Westgate Arcade expansionO&C ManagementProject to enhance the retail, leisure, and entertainment offer.  Construction of 12 new shop units expected to be complete early 2025.

Where possible we coordinate with teams managing nearby construction projects and utilities maintenance, to make sure we can minimise disruption.

Drivers are using shortcuts to avoid traffic hotspots. What are you doing to address this?

Road users are free to choose which roads and routes they take so long as there are no access restrictions. We have put in place diversions to route traffic along safe and sensible alternative routes. We have no powers to prevent road users finding different routes. If this becomes dangerous or problematic, please report it to the Calderdale Community Protection Team.

How are you managing wildlife on the scheme and ensuring that any effect on biodiversity is minimised?

We’ve conducted in-depth surveys in any areas of wildlife to ensure that we don’t disturb any protected species. We have robust processes in place for disposal of any hazardous materials from site so that we do not harm the environment. We work with environmental specialists to ensure wildlife is protected and we comply with the law. We obtain any permits that we need to work in relation to protected species before work starts.

By the time the project is complete we will have improved biodiversity. We are aiming to:

  • plant 85 street trees,
  • add more than 100 metres of hedgerow,
  • add ornamental planting and grassland.

Have you consulted on these proposals with cyclists?

We’ve designed in signalised crossings for cyclists into the proposals, cycle lanes, and ‘quiet street’ cycle facilities.

The proposals have been designed to consider LTN 1/20 cycle infrastructure design guidance.

When developing the designs we consulted with Calderdale Cycle Forum in 2019 and the Town Centre Cycling and Accessibility group in 2020. The local cycle forum and CTC right to ride were consulted during in the informal traffic regulation order consultation in Feb 2023.

How can I get updates about the project roadworks?

For the most up to date information about the project roadworks, contact Galliford Try. Email A629Phase2@gallifordtry.co.uk, or call: 0113 2203332.

Who can I contact for information about this project?

For the most up to date information about construction and disruption during this project, contact Galliford Try. Email A629Phase2@gallifordtry.co.uk, call: 0113 2203332, or visit them at Halifax Borough Market every Tuesday and Wednesday, 10am-1pm. 

If you have questions or comments about this project, you can email the project team at: A629Phase2@calderdale.gov.uk

If you have questions or comments about Calderdale The Next Chapter projects in general, you can email TheNextChapter@calderdale.gov.uk.

Will the roadworks cause delays?

There will be some delays during the works. We will plan and put in place traffic management to reduce the impact of the works. We will monitor traffic in the area. If the work starts to cause significant delays, this will be looked at.

Work will be completed in three parts; western, eastern, and central; with work on each section to run consecutively to minimise disruption.

Why is the Council removing healthy trees?

We’re removing 41 trees from along the roadside to allow for construction.

We will be planting 117 trees in the town centre as the project progresses, along with further landscaping.

We’re making sure that we have infrastructure in place to support low emission travel choices and active travel. We’re making choosing to walk or cycle an easy and safe option for people who might otherwise drive and those who are less confident cycling in traffic.

How does the removal of trees contribute to the Council’s ambition to achieve net zero by 2038 or sooner?

Travel is the second biggest source of carbon emissions. 41% of these emissions come from cars, lorries, buses, and vans using our roads. Transforming transport and getting around is one of the key themes of our climate action plan. Removal of some trees as part of this project means that we can support more people to get to where they need to go without the need of a car.

Why is the Council removing trees when it has declared a climate emergency?

The removal of some trees is a small part of a much larger project: A629 Halifax town centre. The project has been designed to address the climate emergency. The project also includes the planting of more than 100 trees and landscaping.

The project will help to tackle climate change, improve air quality and opportunities for active travel, and encourage biodiversity.

Why can’t the trees be moved instead of cut down?

There are utilities: cables and pipes buried under the pavement, that make it impossible to dig out and move the trees.

Will the project improve accessibility for people with disabilities?

We have designed this project along with the aim of improving accessibility for people with disabilities. We’re adding crossings and we will create pedestrianised areas where people will be able to move around without the need to cross the road or navigate traffic.

We’ve engaged with Disability Partnership Calderdale (DPC), the Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum (ACDAF), the Wheelchair Enabling Society (WES) and the Halifax Society for the Blind at various stages.

We have used some of the feedback we received to make changes to the proposals as they developed. We have, for example:

  • removed steps originally proposed for Bull Green,
  • made changes to the proposals for the layout of Market Street to build in safety and separation for pedestrians and cyclists.

We will use best practice to make sure routes around the town centre are safe during construction. Any temporary changes to routes will be signposted and communicated well ahead of any change. We will consider accessibility for all users, including those with mobility, visual, and hearing impairments.