Key details
The aim of the proposals is 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.
Current status
These improvements to the environment for cyclists and access to employment, education, and leisure complement the parallel project: North Halifax Improved Streets for People.
Funding for this project has been secured from West Yorkshire plus Transport Fund as part of the Corridor Improvement Programme Phase 2 (CIP), which aims to improve transport and connectivity from Halifax town centre through to North Halifax.
Plans
The A629 Orange Street roundabout to Ogden project includes proposals for:
Orange Street roundabout pedestrian improvements
We are proposing upgrades to signage, lighting, CCTV, and paths on the western side of Orange Street roundabout. These proposals will complement other plans to improve the same roundabout currently proposed under the separate North Halifax Improved Streets for People project.
A community arts package is also being considered to help paint and decorate the existing underpass.
Old Lane cycle and pedestrian improvements
We are proposing to improve cycling and walking along Old Lane. In the first round of consultation there were mixed views on the cycle route options. Since then, we carried out further design feasibility work and ground investigation surveys. This showed us that there were new risks with the valley floor, and acquiring the land would be unviable. This has led this part of the proposal to fall outside of the project scope, in terms of both timescales and funding. So, due to these risks, the option for a cycle path on the valley floor land is no longer being considered.
We are now proposing speed calming measures (speed humps) along the length of Old Lane, road and pavement resurfacing, and lighting improvements to increase safety.
Keighley Road / Nursery Lane pedestrian improvements
We are proposing a new pedestrian crossing at the Keighley Road and Nursery Lane junction, with widened footpaths and tactile paving, and to upgrade the island crossing on Ovenden Road with a zebra crossing.
New pedestrian crossing on Keighley Road
We are proposing a new pedestrian crossing on Keighley Road near the junction with Keighley Drive. This proposed new crossing directly addresses feedback we received during the previous public consultation, asking for improvements to crossings near Illingworth Sports and Social Club (including Crossley Juniors AFC).
Wrigley Hill junction improvements
We are proposing to make Whitehill Road one-way only westbound, a new pedestrian crossing at the western end of Whitehill Road, with widened footpaths and tactile paving, the prevention of on-street parking, and a vehicle-activated speed sign on A629 north of the junction.
Bus Priority Improvements
We are proposing bus priority signals at these junctions: A629/Ovenden Way, A629/Shroggs Road, and Cross Hills/North Bridge. These measures will improve journey times for all users, including buses.
Benefits
Economic growth
The project will improve access to businesses along the A629, towards and away from Halifax town centre
Sustainability
Bus journeys will be prioritised, encouraging more people to use the service. Cycling and pedestrian improvements will make active options for travel more attractive.
Safety
Upgrades to cycle and pedestrian routes will make journeys safer.
Connectivity and access
Communities either side of the A629 will be better connected to each other, and access to employment, education and leisure will be improved.
Cleaner environment
The investment in active travel infrastructure and public transport could reduce private vehicle usage, leading to reduced emissions and reduced congestion in line with the Combined Authority and Calderdale Council’s shared commitment to fighting climate change.
Progress
14 March 2024
We're using feedback from local people and organisations to shape improvements planned as part of this project.
Read: Feedback helps shape plans to improve travel in and around north Halifax.
Feedback for the proposals was generally positive, with particular support for pedestrian safety improvements, including those proposed at Orange Street roundabout, Keighley Road and Whitehill Road. Respondents noted the difficulties of walking along these routes and how proposals would make crossing these busy roads easier and safer.
The Consultation outcome report executive summary and the Consultation outcome report are available on WYCA Your Voice.
27 November 2023
The consultation on Your Voice has been extended by one week. You can now respond up to 12 December 2023.
7 November 2023
We're listening.
In July 2021, we asked for your feedback on initial proposals to make it easier to travel through towns and villages on the A629, specifically between Orange Street roundabout and Ogden. We have made changes to the proposals based on the feedback we received.
We would like to hear your views on the final proposed designs. View the proposals, find out about drop-in events and webinars, and complete the survey on West Yorkshire Combined Authority Your Voice at A629N Orange Street Roundabout to Ogden (Round 2).
December 2021
Analysis of the public consultation held in June and July is now available on Your Voice:
- A629N Orange Street Roundabout to Ogden, Calderdale CIP Executive Summary
- A629N Orange Street Roundabout to Ogden, Calderdale CIP Consultation Analysis Report
July 2021
The public consultation closed 18 July 2021. Thank you for your contributions. All feedback is being analysed. The Full Outcome Report for the project will be published on the WYCA Your Voice page for the project.
May 2021
These designs have been produced in preparation for the submission of an outline business case in September 2021, with the aim of developing the proposal fully in 2022/23 and delivering the project by March 2024.
At this stage we continue to define the scope of the project to identify the range, type and location of the interventions required to achieve the benefits. A public consultation runs from 14 June – 18 July 2021.
November 2021
The Outline Business Case (OBC) was submitted to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority for appraisal on 1 October 2021. Following the consultation held in summer, a Consultation Analysis Report will also be published in the coming months.
Funding
This project was made possible through funding from: