Consultation launched over major junction upgrade

A public consultation on plans to improve a major road junction in Huddersfield has been launched.

Kirklees Council wants to upgrade the Cooper Bridge junction, which links the A62 and A644, in an effort to tackle congestion and improve air quality.

Previous plans to develop the site, alongside the nearby Bradley Junction, were put forward in 2021 but had to be shelved due to "escalating costs", West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) said.

WYCA and Kirklees Council have now put forward three suggestions focussing solely on the Cooper Bridge area, with the consultation set to run until 8 December.

Each of the three options - a roundabout, a gyratory or a T-Junction - include widening roads, new cycle lanes and improvements for pedestrians.

Moses Crook, cabinet member for transport and housing for Kirklees, said: "The Cooper Bridge junction is a significant gateway into Kirklees and the wider region.

"Each of the proposals will ensure better connections to employment and leisure opportunities, encourage further investment and boost housing growth across West Yorkshire and beyond."

The scheme is part of a wider programme of road improvements across Kirklees and is funded through the WYCA's West Yorkshire-plus Transport fund.

The Transport Fund is targeted at "enabling key development areas" and will also help to create about 20,000 new jobs and facilitate growth, the WYCA also said.

Crook added: "I encourage as many people as possible to get involved in the latest round of consultation, especially locally from those who will be most affected by the scheme."

The WYCA said work to improve Bradley Junction would take place at a later date.

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