New phase starts for major revamp of town centre

Work on the next phase of major improvements to a West Yorkshire town centre is due to get under way later.

The work starting on Monday would see changes including improved links between Halifax railway station and the town centre, according to Calderdale Council.

The authority said the A629 Phase 2 Halifax town centre project, funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority, would "improve journey times, make travel safer, improve air quality and support economic growth".

Shelagh O'Neill, the council's director for regeneration and strategy, said the project would "transform how everyone gets around the town, no matter how they travel".

A Calderdale Council spokesperson said work was being carried out in phases to "minimise disruption", with construction on the western side of the town centre – including at Bull Green, Cow Green and Pellon Lane - due to finish shortly.

The upgrades would allow people to "cross from the station towards the Central Library and the Piece Hall in one movement", a spokesperson added.

The authority said plans also included new road layouts to improve traffic flow, the creation of a more "welcoming public space" near the Piece Hall and a new parking area on Alfred Street East.

New bus stops were also set to be installed to improve connections between the railway station, bus station and other parts of Halifax, according to the council.

During construction, temporary traffic lights and diversions would be in place, with southbound traffic directed around the newly completed western side of the scheme, the spokesperson said.

O'Neill said the western phase of the project had been "the most complex", adding: "Straight after this, construction work will move to the bottom of Halifax, changing the road layout around the train station and improving links with bus travel."

The authority warned some "unavoidable delays" would occur, with drivers advised to "plan ahead" and to check travel information on its Next Chapter website.

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