A road closure in Huddersfield is causing serious problems for people who have to make a massive detour.
Now a plea has been made for the work at the junction of Halifax Road and Birkby Road at Birchencliffe to be speeded up and Kirklees Council has revealed it may now finish earlier than planned – in September instead of mid-October.
The roadworks on Halifax Road next to the Cavalry Arms pub means Birkby Road is shut until the autumn with East Street closed until the end of August.
Months of work have already seen Birkby Road partially blocked.
Peter Charnley, neighbourhood watch co-ordinator for Prince Wood Lane and Valley Head which are roads off Birkby Road, said: “The Birkby Road junction with Halifax Road closed completely on July 6 and is expected to be closed for the next four months.
“It’s appreciated that this work is necessary to improve traffic flows between Huddersfield and junction 24 of the M62 at Ainley Top. However, the timescale could be reduced by extended working hours during the summer months.
“It’s really frustrating and a major inconvenience so why can’t they work longer hours during the day and also at weekends to get the job done?’’
The main detour goes right down into Birkby and then up Blacker Road but people with local knowledge have been using narrow Bryan Road halfway down Birkby Road which leads back on to Halifax Road via Kaffir Road at Edgerton.
This has been causing congestion and a sign has now gone up saying access along that road is only for residents.
“That’s been causing problems,’’ said Peter. “I know of at least one road rage incident that’s happened along there as a result of people using it as a detour.’’
And he said the main detour is having a major impact on the environment.
“The detour residents are required to make is at least two miles and with, perhaps two journeys a day, adds up to 1.5 million extra miles based on approximately 4,000 homes in a 1/2 mile radius,’’ he said.
“If the work could be completed in just one month then one million miles could be saved.’’
Lindley Liberal Democrat councillor Anthony Smith said: “We have had a lot of emails from residents who are upset at how long the work is taking and we are working with Kirklees officers to bring the work forward. I do empathise with residents as it certainly causes me some frustration too.’’
David Shepherd, executive director for place at Kirklees Council, said: “The junction at Birkby Road is undergoing a major redesign including the installation of an additional lane, new traffic signals and pedestrian crossing. These improvements will help reduce waiting times, ease congestion and improve road safety for everyone.
“We understand it’s frustrating and we are working to complete the scheme in September 2026. We will continue to monitor progress closely and introduce further adjustments wherever possible.
“The current diversion route is the most suitable option for the volume of traffic in the area. We have listened and will be putting additional advance warning signs in the local area to help drivers.
“I want to thank residents and road users for their patience while we carry out these essential works to improve the Kirklees transport network.”
Written by ANDY HIRST who runs his own Yorkshire freelance journalism agency AH! PR (https://ah-pr.com/) specialising in press releases, blogging, website content, copywriting and ghost-writing autobiographies.
