Mott MacDonald has been appointed to support the development of the A629 Phase 4 between Halifax, Calderdale and Huddersfield, Kirklees.
The £25.9million project is being fully funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority through the West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund. Mott MacDonald is working for the Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council and Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council in close collaboration with West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Phase 4 aims to promote active modes of travel which offer an alternative to reliance upon private vehicle usage through improving infrastructure for cycling, walking and public transport. It focuses on reducing congestion at Ainley Top and will create and improve cycle routes between Halifax and Huddersfield, as well as establishing a quality bus corridor with real time information along the route.
Mott MacDonald is providing the technical expertise to develop a comprehensive business case with transport modelling, economic appraisal and detailed design. The consultancy’s role will also continue through the construction phase with the provision of design resource to support the client. Mott MacDonald is also currently working for Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council on Halifax Station Gateway providing multidisciplinary design, operational modelling, master planning, business case development and planning.
Mott MacDonald’s project manager, Nigel Morley, said: “We are a carbon neutral company and we’re incredibly excited to be working on a project that will significantly improve active modes of travel, reduce carbon emissions and support investment in Calderdale and Kirklees.”
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Strategy, Cllr Jane Scullion, said: “Using funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, we’ve been able to develop this major infrastructure improvement project which will also support our economic growth.
“I’m pleased that we’ve now appointed an experienced contractor to support our detailed design work, allowing us to progress this important scheme.”
It is anticipated that the Full Business Case will be completed by spring 2022 and subject to approvals, it is hoped that work can start on Phase 4 scheme around summer 2022.