Works to improve Huddersfield Ring Road are set to begin this summer with a £750,000 investment in the Queensgate and Shorehead stretch of the highway.

Starting on Monday 24 June, Kirklees Council will carry out a series of extensive works which include resurfacing the carriageway and roundabout, laying new kerbing, improving the central reservation, and upgrading traffic signals and pedestrian crossing which will include tactile paving.

The works are expected to take around two months to complete and are being delivered in advance of development works due to take place as part of the Our Cultural Heart scheme.

David Shepherd, strategic director for growth and regeneration said, “We are dedicated to improving Kirklees highways. The Huddersfield Ring Road is a vital gateway into Huddersfield town centre and by investing in these works, we are creating better access to town centre shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, and local businesses. The difference will be significant, and I would like to thank people in advance for their patience while these important works are carried out.”

To allow the works go ahead safely and efficiently, the project requires some complete road closures for a 24-hour period. This will be limited from Monday to Thursday 8am until midnight, and again from 4:30pm until midnight on Sundays. Work will not be carried out on Friday or Saturday in support of the local leisure industry. 

Any noisy operational work should be completed by midnight. If the project experiences delays, advance notice will be given to residents and businesses in the area.

Digital Variable Messaging Signs (VMS) will be in place in advance of the works starting, displaying important information. Signed diversion routes for traffic will be in place.

Throughout the works, traffic management will vary with diversion routes in place to support the work phases. Whist work starts on Shorehead roundabout, there will be two diversion routes in place. Firstly, via Castlegate, Chapel Hill and Firth Street to Wakefield Road with the second via Wakefield Road, St Andrew’s Road, Gasworks Street, A62 Leeds Road, Southgate and Castlegate. As work continues on Queensgate, motorists will be diverted to the A62 Castlegate, Unna Way and Southgate.