Tarmac’s Infrastructure business has begun work on a £6 million link road in Castleford, West Yorkshire, that will help to improve commuting times, improve the environment and create new housing, business and employment opportunities.
The Wakefield Council led initiative is designed to provide a more direct route to the leisure and retail area from Wakefield and Normanton, reduce congestion, improve air quality and offer a more sustainable transport route for buses, cyclists and pedestrians.
The Tarmac-built road, which passes along the periphery of a development area that has the potential for up to 1,300 new homes, 3,200 new regular jobs and 1,000 construction jobs. The road is expected to be opened to traffic in early 2020.
Andy Brown, Director of Tarmac Infrastructure, said: “We’re delighted to be responsible for delivering this great initiative, which once complete will boost opportunities for growth in the Castleford and Wakefield area. The project is just one example of the breadth of service we offer to customers and builds on the innovative, expert services that our clients expect.”
Cllr Peter Box, Leader of Wakefield Council commented: “This is a win-win for so many people as it opens up the potential for job opportunities, new housing, reduced commuting times, improved equestrian route, better air quality, improved environment and habitats. We are pleased that West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund has supported our vision for the development of this part of the district.”
Cllr Kim Groves, Chair of West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, added: “By reducing congestion, this new link road will contribute to the ongoing growth of Glasshoughton and Castleford by supporting economic development and the construction of new, much-needed housing. It will also help make local bus services more reliable and as a result more attractive, as well as improving local air quality and making to providing better facilities for people who cycle and pedestrians.”
Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, Jake Berry, said: “This government is committed to boosting economic growth across the whole of the Northern Powerhouse, connecting places and building an economy which is fit for the future. That is why we have provided £6m through the Local Growth Fund to support the Glasshoughton Southern Link Road scheme. As well as reducing congestion and providing a more direct route to the Castleford leisure and retail centre from Wakefield and Normanton, it will also support the delivery of 1,300 new homes and create new employment opportunities.”
Developed by Wakefield Council and funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority through the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund. The Fund is supported through the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Deal – a £1 billion package of Government investment delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to accelerate growth and create jobs across Leeds City Region.
The Glasshoughton Southern Link Road once complete will connect Whistler Drive to Bruce Smeaton Way at the Cutsyke Road roundabout in the town. It also includes the creation of a wetland, planting of ‘bee-friendly’ wildflowers and a much-improved bridleway at Flass Lane.
