There are significant roadworks happening around Halifax town centre, and outside the front of the Victoria Theatre that wrap around the building, closing the pavement on the corner.
A629 PHASE 2 HALIFAX TOWN CENTRE
The road works that are happening around the Victoria is taking place to create new spaces, improve accessibility, improve vehicle circulation around the town, create areas where people can move around free of traffic and improve transport connectivity.
JUNCTION OF COMMERCIAL STREET AND FOUNTAIN STREET
We will be replacing the staggered crossings on Fountain Street and Commercial Street. The new crossings will allow people to cross in a straight line without a pause. Around the junction, we will create more space and a more pleasant experience for people walking in and out of the town centre and add trees.
Here’s an artist’s impression of the new layout outside The Victoria Theatre with cycle routes and crossings.
People travelling on their bicycles will be able to navigate the junction safely and efficiently thanks to new cycle routes. Cycle routes will be clearly marked leading in and out of Commercial Street. The short section of Trinity Road that passes by the Halifax offices will become a cycle route. Cycle routes that cross the junction will have signals to make it clear to everyone on who has priority.
We will upgrade signals so that they link to others in the area to keep vehicles moving more efficiently when there is traffic to the west of town.
Here’s a drawing showing proposals for changes to the layout, crossings and cycle routes around the junction of Ward's End, Fountain Street, and Commercial Street, and the cycle route along Trinity Road.
FAQs
Why are we spending money on this work?
Following an application to The West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund, the money was granted to improve the flow of traffic and to make improvements for walking, cycling and buses.
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.
When will the work be complete?
Work will be completed in three parts; western, eastern and central; with work on each section to run consecutively to minimise disruption. The work around the Victoria Theatre is due for completion by the end of 2025; however, the whole A629 Phase 2 project is due to be completed by summer 2028.
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 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.
Where can I find more information?
You can visit https://www.calderdalenextchapter.co.uk/projects/a629-halifax-town-centre or 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.
