The A62 Leeds Road and Cooper Bridge road resurfacing scheme was completed two weeks early – and Kirklees Council has explained how they did it.

The council, in collaboration with Calderdale Council, resurfaced 1.4 km of one of the district’s busiest stretches of road between the Bradley traffic lights through the Cooper Bridge roundabout and up to the junction with Stocks Bank Road at Mirfield.

There were overnight closures and diversions but the work, funded by the Department for Transport, was completed on November 19, two weeks early.

The scheme was also intended to address the historic issues with flooding along the length of this section of road but particularly under the bridge.

A number of factors influenced the early completion particularly detailed planning by Kirklees Council working with the contractor’s team; a full road closure during the hours of work; and favourable weather conditions.

New road surface on the A62 around Cooper Bridge roundabout

As a part of the works the team also repaired the drainage system along this stretch of road to help prevent future flooding.

Street lighting was also upgraded to new LED lighting on the section from the Miller & Carter restaurant to Cooper Bridge roundabout, and overhanging vegetation was cut back to give more room on the pavement for pedestrians and cyclists.

Clr Naheed Mather, Cabinet member for environment, said: “The team have done a fantastic job to get this major project completed two weeks ahead of schedule. It’s great to see the team working so hard to get our roads in Kirklees back up and running.

“The resurfacing of the A62 means the road remains in a safe condition for the foreseeable future for all road users, with the works helping to prevent potholes from forming particularly as we enter the colder months of the year, plus the work to help prevent flooding in the area.

“This a very popular route through Huddersfield to Halifax and the completion of these resurfacing works will make it a smoother journey for all.”