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Improved walking and cycling around the A629, Halifax - Huddersfield

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June 2023 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.

March 2022 update:

The final report for the A629 phase 4 public consultation which ran from Tuesday 26 October to Tuesday 23 November 2021 can be viewed here.

February 2022 update: Occupation Road and Thornhill Road residents Q&A meeting

Please see video link to the A629 phase 4 Occupation Road resident meeting held on 25 January 2022 and the question and answer (Q&A) sessions from the meetings held on 18 and 25 January 2022, featuring individual pre submitted questions.

All questions asked during the online meetings, and their responses, are available to read from the 'Questions and Answers - Occupation Road meetings' section.

This public consultation ran Tuesday 26 October to Tuesday 23 November 2021 and has now closed.

Thank you to everyone that took part. All survey answers, comments and suggestions will be analysed and considered, and further information will be shared here once available.

The information below was presented during the public consultation.

Calderdale Council, Kirklees Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority have developed a series of improvements along the A629 route from Halifax to Huddersfield.

The aim of this scheme is to provide enhanced and safer accessibility to Halifax and Huddersfield by improving walking, wheeling, cycling and bus travel along the route.

(Wheeling incorporates many methods for getting around, including using wheelchairs, mobility scooters or walking aids and travelling with a pram or pushchair.)

We have designed these proposals to provide segregated or shared use facilities within the existing highway where possible, in compliance with the Department for Transport Local Transport Note 1/20 “Cycle Infrastructure Design”.

It has not been possible to provide fully compliant walking, wheeling, and cycling facilities in some locations as this would require the removal of on street parking, acquiring land from residential and/or business properties, or the demolition of buildings.

This project will complement four other A629 improvement schemes:

In 2019 we held a public consultation on the A629 Halifax to Huddersfield Improvements (Phase 4). You can read the 2019 public consultation and summary report. We have considered all the feedback gathered during the 2019 round of consultation and used it to develop the final scheme plans.

This project includes:

  • Creation and improvement of cycle routes between Halifax and Huddersfield.
  • Better connections to Calderdale & Kirklees hospitals, Halifax, Elland & Huddersfield railway stations, and Halifax, Elland & Huddersfield town centres.
  • Creation of greenways (A greenway is a general term used to describe a multi-user shared off-road path, which may incorporate existing Public Rights of Way, Byways and Bridleways.)
  • Improved bus journey times through improvements to existing signalised junctions.
  • Real time passenger information on bus routes along the A629 corridor.
  • Bus infrastructure to allow bus operators to introduce an express service between Halifax and Huddersfield.
  • Improved crossing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists at Southgate (Elland).
  • New crossing facilities for walking, wheeling, and cycling.
  • Improved journey times for all road users through West Vale and Elland.
  • Improving walking, wheeling, and cycling links to local communities and amenities.
  • Variable message signs (VMS) are to be considered at strategic locations on the highway network.

By delivering the proposed improvements, together with the four other A629 improvement schemes, we aim to achieve:

  • Economic growth: The project will improve access to Halifax and Huddersfield from the M62, encouraging investment and enabling access to land for housing and employment developments in Calderdale and Kirklees.
  • Sustainability: Improving the bus corridor to encourage more users and significantly upgrading walking and cycling routes will make these active modes more popular for leisure and commuting.
  • Safety: Improved cycle and pedestrian routes will make for safer journeys.
  • Journey times: Reducing congestion through the encouragement of sustainable travel modes.
  • Cleaner environment: Active travel and public transport investment will encourage sustainable travel modes, leading to fewer emissions and reduced congestion.


The project is split into five sections:

Section A: Northern Section: Halifax to Calder Hebble junction.

Section B: Elland and West Vale.

Section C: Central Section: Ainley Top Roundabout.

Section D: Southern Section (east of A629) Ainley Top Roundabout to Lindley to Huddersfield.

Section E: Southern Section (west of A629) Ainley Top Roundabout to Birkby to Huddersfield.




Public engagement

Between Tuesday 26th October 2021 and midnight on Tuesday 23rd November 2021, we asked for your feedback on the latest designs.

Those unable to access the supporting materials or the online survey or those who prefer printed versions, could request printed copies of the supporting materials and the survey, via phone or email.


More information on each section of the route:

Section A: Northern Section: Halifax to Calder Hebble junction

The scheme aims to connect the existing Hebble Trail which currently ends at Phoebe Lane, with Halifax Town Centre and Halifax Railway Station.

The proposals include:

  • Extension of the Hebble Trail shared walking, wheeling, and cycling route from Phoebe Lane to Water Lane.
  • New Toucan crossing on Water Lane for all users. A Toucan crossing is a signal-controlled crossing that allows cyclists to ride across rather than requiring them to dismount.
  • The existing and proposed Hebble Trail extension is proposed to be lit from Huddersfield Road at Salterhebble to Water Lane.
  • The extension shown at the previous consultation in 2019 has changed. This change has been made to reduce impacts on the planned expansion of Phoebe Lane Industrial Estate, construction at the Former Gas Works site, and businesses along Siddal New Road/Water Lane.

We are proposing a shared use walking, wheeling, and cycling facility along Siddal New Road and a zig-zag ramp to connect to Whitegate Road. The zig zag ramp will help users to negotiate an otherwise very steep gradient and we have tried to make it as comfortable as possible, bearing in mind the very significant differences in height between Phoebe Lane and Siddal New Road. We’ve looked at several alternatives and we feel this provides the best way to connect through to Water Lane.

Section B: Elland and West Vale

The scheme aims to improve walking, wheeling, and cycling connections between Elland and West Vale.

The proposals include:

  • New and improved cycle facilities through Elland comprising of segregated and shared cycle lanes and on-carriageway routes with suitable crossing facilities.
  • Improved traffic signals at West Vale junctions of Saddleworth Road/Stainland Road junction and Rochdale Road/Stainland Road junction through improved signals timings.
  • New traffic signals at Southgate junction with Huddersfield Road/Dewsbury Road/Elland Riorges Link with Toucan crossings for cyclists and pedestrians to improve safety.
  • A Green screen at West Vale primary school is being considered to provide a vertically planted barrier screen between the school and highway.
  • Introduction of double yellow lines along Rochdale Road to prohibit parking to help traffic to flow more smoothly.

The proposals in West Vale have changed slightly since the previous consultation in 2019 to provide better connections for walking, wheeling, and cycling users and safe crossing facilities. Calder Street will be stopped up which will remove traffic joining the junction and improve safety and efficiency of the junction. We’ve done this to reduce impacts on businesses along Alfred Street and Church Street.

Access to the proposed Elland Railway Station will be provided by the Elland Station Access Package of works.

Section C: Central Section: Ainley Top Roundabout

The scheme aims to improve Ainley Top Roundabout for walking, wheeling, and cycling.

The proposals include:

  • Upgrade of existing crossings to signalised toucan crossings at Ainley Top Roundabout.
  • Extending the two-lane approaches on A643 Lindley Moor Road and A643 Brighouse Road to increase capacity on both approaches to the junction.
  • Widening the existing footway adjacent to the A629 northbound carriageway and through the M62 underpass to create a shared walking, wheeling, and cycling route.
  • Providing a ramp for cyclists in addition to the existing steps from Lindley Moor Road to the northbound A629 bus stop and shared facility.
  • Lighting improvements through the M62 underpass.
  • New shared walking, wheeling, and cycling facilities along Huddersfield Road to connect Ainley Top Roundabout to Elland with crossing points.
  • New cycle track along the southbound slip road from Huddersfield Road that connects to the existing combined bus/cycle lane that connects to Ainley Top Roundabout.
  • New Greenway proposed from Ainley Road recreation ground/play area to connect to Ainley Top Roundabout.
  • Widening and surfacing improvements for cyclists along Yew Tree Road to Reap Hirst Road.
  • Existing Public Right of Way (PRoW) HUD/396/20, HUD/396/30 and HUD/396/40 between Reap Hirst Road and Yew Tree Road will be upgraded to permit cycling with widening and surfacing improvements.

These proposals have changed since the previous consultation in 2019. The proposed greenway between Ainley Top Roundabout and Ainley Bottom Industrial Estate is no longer included because of the land required to overcome the steep gradient of the hillside. The scheme focuses instead on improving the existing shared path next to the northbound A629.

Section D: Southern Section (west of A629) Ainley Top Roundabout to Lindley to Huddersfield

The scheme aims to improve walking, wheeling, and cycling connections between Ainley top, Lindley and Huddersfield to the west of the A629 corridor, with a mixture of off-road and on-road cycle routes.

The proposals include:

  • Existing footpath through Daisy Lea Lane recreation ground and Public Right of Way HUD/400/20 and HUD/401/10 will become a shared route for all users with widening and surfacing improvements.
  • On-road cycle routes along Ainley Road, Lindley Avenue, Yew Tree Road, Weatherhill Road, Briarlyn Avenue, St Stephen’s Fold, Thornhill Road, Occupation Road and Syringa Street.
  • Lidget Street reduced to 20mph with priority crossings for cyclists and traffic calming with road humps.
  • On-road cycle route along Lidget Street, Brian Street, St Stephen’s Fold, Briarlyn Avenue.
  • Improved junction layout to provide cyclist and pedestrian crossing facilities at Thornhill Road/Occupation Road/Savile Road/Sunnybank Road junction for cyclists and pedestrians.
  • New Toucan crossing across Westbourne Road.
  • Existing pedestrian crossing across Gledholt Road upgraded to a Toucan crossing.
  • New shared walking, wheeling, and cycling facilities along Park Drive (alongside Greenhead Park) to Glebe Street.
  • Existing pedestrian crossing across Trinity Street (at Fitzwilliam Street) upgraded to a Toucan crossing.
  • Occupation Road to be made one way northbound from the entrance of the hospital to the junction with Acre Street to allow for a shared footway / cycleway.

These proposals have changed since the previous consultation in 2019. The proposed route has been altered to avoid existing constraints along Lidget Street and St Stephen’s Fold. This will help provide safer cycling facilities along Occupation Street and Thornhill Road.

Section E: Southern Section (east of A629) Ainley Top Roundabout to Birkby to Huddersfield

The scheme aims to improve provide walking, wheeling, and cycling connections between Ainley Top, Birkby and Huddersfield to the east of the A629 corridor, with a mixture of off-road and on-road cycle routes.

The proposals include:

  • The Public Right of Way (PRoW) HUD/396/20 from Norwood Road to Reap Hirst Road will become a shared route for all users with widening and surfacing improvements.
  • The existing bridleway HUD/397/10 along Reap Hirst Road will become a shared route for all users with widening and surfacing improvements.
  • Existing Public Right of Way (PRoW) HUD/342/10, HUD/343/10, HUD/343/30, HUD/343/40, HUD/343/50, HUD/344/10, HUD/344/20, HUD/344/40 and HUD/344/50 from Highfields, alongside Brambles Primary Academy and around Edgerton Cemetery to Clement Street will become a shared route for all users with widening and surfacing improvements.
  • New shared walking, wheeling, and cycling facilities and mixed traffic routes from Huddersfield Ring Road to Highfields.

These proposals have changed since the previous consultation in 2019. The proposals now provide a better link to the local amenities in Birkby and avoid the need to buy land to widen public rights of way and reduce the potential impacts on local wildlife and residential properties.

Next steps

We will use the feedback we receive to refine the proposals before we appoint a contractor to build the scheme.


For social media updates on this project and other schemes being delivered by Calderdale Council and Kirklees Council, follow us on:

Twitter: @Calderdale and @KirkleesCouncil

Facebook: @Calderdale and @liveinKirklees



June 2023 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.

March 2022 update:

The final report for the A629 phase 4 public consultation which ran from Tuesday 26 October to Tuesday 23 November 2021 can be viewed here.

February 2022 update: Occupation Road and Thornhill Road residents Q&A meeting

Please see video link to the A629 phase 4 Occupation Road resident meeting held on 25 January 2022 and the question and answer (Q&A) sessions from the meetings held on 18 and 25 January 2022, featuring individual pre submitted questions.

All questions asked during the online meetings, and their responses, are available to read from the 'Questions and Answers - Occupation Road meetings' section.

This public consultation ran Tuesday 26 October to Tuesday 23 November 2021 and has now closed.

Thank you to everyone that took part. All survey answers, comments and suggestions will be analysed and considered, and further information will be shared here once available.

The information below was presented during the public consultation.

Calderdale Council, Kirklees Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority have developed a series of improvements along the A629 route from Halifax to Huddersfield.

The aim of this scheme is to provide enhanced and safer accessibility to Halifax and Huddersfield by improving walking, wheeling, cycling and bus travel along the route.

(Wheeling incorporates many methods for getting around, including using wheelchairs, mobility scooters or walking aids and travelling with a pram or pushchair.)

We have designed these proposals to provide segregated or shared use facilities within the existing highway where possible, in compliance with the Department for Transport Local Transport Note 1/20 “Cycle Infrastructure Design”.

It has not been possible to provide fully compliant walking, wheeling, and cycling facilities in some locations as this would require the removal of on street parking, acquiring land from residential and/or business properties, or the demolition of buildings.

This project will complement four other A629 improvement schemes:

In 2019 we held a public consultation on the A629 Halifax to Huddersfield Improvements (Phase 4). You can read the 2019 public consultation and summary report. We have considered all the feedback gathered during the 2019 round of consultation and used it to develop the final scheme plans.

This project includes:

  • Creation and improvement of cycle routes between Halifax and Huddersfield.
  • Better connections to Calderdale & Kirklees hospitals, Halifax, Elland & Huddersfield railway stations, and Halifax, Elland & Huddersfield town centres.
  • Creation of greenways (A greenway is a general term used to describe a multi-user shared off-road path, which may incorporate existing Public Rights of Way, Byways and Bridleways.)
  • Improved bus journey times through improvements to existing signalised junctions.
  • Real time passenger information on bus routes along the A629 corridor.
  • Bus infrastructure to allow bus operators to introduce an express service between Halifax and Huddersfield.
  • Improved crossing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists at Southgate (Elland).
  • New crossing facilities for walking, wheeling, and cycling.
  • Improved journey times for all road users through West Vale and Elland.
  • Improving walking, wheeling, and cycling links to local communities and amenities.
  • Variable message signs (VMS) are to be considered at strategic locations on the highway network.

By delivering the proposed improvements, together with the four other A629 improvement schemes, we aim to achieve:

  • Economic growth: The project will improve access to Halifax and Huddersfield from the M62, encouraging investment and enabling access to land for housing and employment developments in Calderdale and Kirklees.
  • Sustainability: Improving the bus corridor to encourage more users and significantly upgrading walking and cycling routes will make these active modes more popular for leisure and commuting.
  • Safety: Improved cycle and pedestrian routes will make for safer journeys.
  • Journey times: Reducing congestion through the encouragement of sustainable travel modes.
  • Cleaner environment: Active travel and public transport investment will encourage sustainable travel modes, leading to fewer emissions and reduced congestion.


The project is split into five sections:

Section A: Northern Section: Halifax to Calder Hebble junction.

Section B: Elland and West Vale.

Section C: Central Section: Ainley Top Roundabout.

Section D: Southern Section (east of A629) Ainley Top Roundabout to Lindley to Huddersfield.

Section E: Southern Section (west of A629) Ainley Top Roundabout to Birkby to Huddersfield.




Public engagement

Between Tuesday 26th October 2021 and midnight on Tuesday 23rd November 2021, we asked for your feedback on the latest designs.

Those unable to access the supporting materials or the online survey or those who prefer printed versions, could request printed copies of the supporting materials and the survey, via phone or email.


More information on each section of the route:

Section A: Northern Section: Halifax to Calder Hebble junction

The scheme aims to connect the existing Hebble Trail which currently ends at Phoebe Lane, with Halifax Town Centre and Halifax Railway Station.

The proposals include:

  • Extension of the Hebble Trail shared walking, wheeling, and cycling route from Phoebe Lane to Water Lane.
  • New Toucan crossing on Water Lane for all users. A Toucan crossing is a signal-controlled crossing that allows cyclists to ride across rather than requiring them to dismount.
  • The existing and proposed Hebble Trail extension is proposed to be lit from Huddersfield Road at Salterhebble to Water Lane.
  • The extension shown at the previous consultation in 2019 has changed. This change has been made to reduce impacts on the planned expansion of Phoebe Lane Industrial Estate, construction at the Former Gas Works site, and businesses along Siddal New Road/Water Lane.

We are proposing a shared use walking, wheeling, and cycling facility along Siddal New Road and a zig-zag ramp to connect to Whitegate Road. The zig zag ramp will help users to negotiate an otherwise very steep gradient and we have tried to make it as comfortable as possible, bearing in mind the very significant differences in height between Phoebe Lane and Siddal New Road. We’ve looked at several alternatives and we feel this provides the best way to connect through to Water Lane.

Section B: Elland and West Vale

The scheme aims to improve walking, wheeling, and cycling connections between Elland and West Vale.

The proposals include:

  • New and improved cycle facilities through Elland comprising of segregated and shared cycle lanes and on-carriageway routes with suitable crossing facilities.
  • Improved traffic signals at West Vale junctions of Saddleworth Road/Stainland Road junction and Rochdale Road/Stainland Road junction through improved signals timings.
  • New traffic signals at Southgate junction with Huddersfield Road/Dewsbury Road/Elland Riorges Link with Toucan crossings for cyclists and pedestrians to improve safety.
  • A Green screen at West Vale primary school is being considered to provide a vertically planted barrier screen between the school and highway.
  • Introduction of double yellow lines along Rochdale Road to prohibit parking to help traffic to flow more smoothly.

The proposals in West Vale have changed slightly since the previous consultation in 2019 to provide better connections for walking, wheeling, and cycling users and safe crossing facilities. Calder Street will be stopped up which will remove traffic joining the junction and improve safety and efficiency of the junction. We’ve done this to reduce impacts on businesses along Alfred Street and Church Street.

Access to the proposed Elland Railway Station will be provided by the Elland Station Access Package of works.

Section C: Central Section: Ainley Top Roundabout

The scheme aims to improve Ainley Top Roundabout for walking, wheeling, and cycling.

The proposals include:

  • Upgrade of existing crossings to signalised toucan crossings at Ainley Top Roundabout.
  • Extending the two-lane approaches on A643 Lindley Moor Road and A643 Brighouse Road to increase capacity on both approaches to the junction.
  • Widening the existing footway adjacent to the A629 northbound carriageway and through the M62 underpass to create a shared walking, wheeling, and cycling route.
  • Providing a ramp for cyclists in addition to the existing steps from Lindley Moor Road to the northbound A629 bus stop and shared facility.
  • Lighting improvements through the M62 underpass.
  • New shared walking, wheeling, and cycling facilities along Huddersfield Road to connect Ainley Top Roundabout to Elland with crossing points.
  • New cycle track along the southbound slip road from Huddersfield Road that connects to the existing combined bus/cycle lane that connects to Ainley Top Roundabout.
  • New Greenway proposed from Ainley Road recreation ground/play area to connect to Ainley Top Roundabout.
  • Widening and surfacing improvements for cyclists along Yew Tree Road to Reap Hirst Road.
  • Existing Public Right of Way (PRoW) HUD/396/20, HUD/396/30 and HUD/396/40 between Reap Hirst Road and Yew Tree Road will be upgraded to permit cycling with widening and surfacing improvements.

These proposals have changed since the previous consultation in 2019. The proposed greenway between Ainley Top Roundabout and Ainley Bottom Industrial Estate is no longer included because of the land required to overcome the steep gradient of the hillside. The scheme focuses instead on improving the existing shared path next to the northbound A629.

Section D: Southern Section (west of A629) Ainley Top Roundabout to Lindley to Huddersfield

The scheme aims to improve walking, wheeling, and cycling connections between Ainley top, Lindley and Huddersfield to the west of the A629 corridor, with a mixture of off-road and on-road cycle routes.

The proposals include:

  • Existing footpath through Daisy Lea Lane recreation ground and Public Right of Way HUD/400/20 and HUD/401/10 will become a shared route for all users with widening and surfacing improvements.
  • On-road cycle routes along Ainley Road, Lindley Avenue, Yew Tree Road, Weatherhill Road, Briarlyn Avenue, St Stephen’s Fold, Thornhill Road, Occupation Road and Syringa Street.
  • Lidget Street reduced to 20mph with priority crossings for cyclists and traffic calming with road humps.
  • On-road cycle route along Lidget Street, Brian Street, St Stephen’s Fold, Briarlyn Avenue.
  • Improved junction layout to provide cyclist and pedestrian crossing facilities at Thornhill Road/Occupation Road/Savile Road/Sunnybank Road junction for cyclists and pedestrians.
  • New Toucan crossing across Westbourne Road.
  • Existing pedestrian crossing across Gledholt Road upgraded to a Toucan crossing.
  • New shared walking, wheeling, and cycling facilities along Park Drive (alongside Greenhead Park) to Glebe Street.
  • Existing pedestrian crossing across Trinity Street (at Fitzwilliam Street) upgraded to a Toucan crossing.
  • Occupation Road to be made one way northbound from the entrance of the hospital to the junction with Acre Street to allow for a shared footway / cycleway.

These proposals have changed since the previous consultation in 2019. The proposed route has been altered to avoid existing constraints along Lidget Street and St Stephen’s Fold. This will help provide safer cycling facilities along Occupation Street and Thornhill Road.

Section E: Southern Section (east of A629) Ainley Top Roundabout to Birkby to Huddersfield

The scheme aims to improve provide walking, wheeling, and cycling connections between Ainley Top, Birkby and Huddersfield to the east of the A629 corridor, with a mixture of off-road and on-road cycle routes.

The proposals include:

  • The Public Right of Way (PRoW) HUD/396/20 from Norwood Road to Reap Hirst Road will become a shared route for all users with widening and surfacing improvements.
  • The existing bridleway HUD/397/10 along Reap Hirst Road will become a shared route for all users with widening and surfacing improvements.
  • Existing Public Right of Way (PRoW) HUD/342/10, HUD/343/10, HUD/343/30, HUD/343/40, HUD/343/50, HUD/344/10, HUD/344/20, HUD/344/40 and HUD/344/50 from Highfields, alongside Brambles Primary Academy and around Edgerton Cemetery to Clement Street will become a shared route for all users with widening and surfacing improvements.
  • New shared walking, wheeling, and cycling facilities and mixed traffic routes from Huddersfield Ring Road to Highfields.

These proposals have changed since the previous consultation in 2019. The proposals now provide a better link to the local amenities in Birkby and avoid the need to buy land to widen public rights of way and reduce the potential impacts on local wildlife and residential properties.

Next steps

We will use the feedback we receive to refine the proposals before we appoint a contractor to build the scheme.


For social media updates on this project and other schemes being delivered by Calderdale Council and Kirklees Council, follow us on:

Twitter: @Calderdale and @KirkleesCouncil

Facebook: @Calderdale and @liveinKirklees



Page last updated: 09 Jun 2023, 01:08 PM