Tarmac begins work on Glasshoughton Southern Link Road

The initiative is led by Wakefield Council and is designed to provide a more direct route to the leisure and retail area from Wakefield and Normanton. It will also reduce congestion, improve air quality, and offer a more sustainable transport route for buses, cyclists, and pedestrians.

The Tarmac-built road passes along the periphery of a development area, which has the potential for up to 1300 new homes, 3200 new regular jobs, and 1000 construction jobs. It is expected that the road will be opened to traffic in early 2020.

The road has been 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 Enterprise Partnership Growth Deal, which is a £1 billion package of government investment delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to accelerate growth and create jobs across the Leeds City Region.

Once complete, the Glasshoughton Southern Link Road will connect Whistler Drive to Bruce Smeaton Way at the Cutsyke Road roundabout in the town. It also includes the creation of a wetland, the planting of bee-friendly wildflowers, and an improved bridleway at Flass Lane.

“We are delighted to be responsible for delivering this great initiative, which, once complete, will boost opportunities for growth in the Castleford and Wakefield area,” said Andy Brown, Director of Tarmac Infrastructure. “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.”

“This is a win-win for so many people as it opens up the potential for job opportunities, new housing, reduced commuting times, an improved equestrian route, better air quality, and an improved environment and habitats,” said Councillor Peter Box, Leader of Wakefield Council. “We are pleased that West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund has supported our vision for the development of this part of the district.”

“By reducing congestion, this new link road will contribute to the ongoing growth of Glasshougton and Castleford by supporting economic development and the construction of new, much needed housing,” said Councillor Kim Groves, Chair of West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee. “It will also help make local bus services more reliable and, as a result, more attractive, as well as improving local air quality and providing facilities for people who cycle and pedestrians.”

“This government is committed to boosting economic growth across the whole of the Northern Powerhouse, connecting places and building an economy that is fit for the future,” said Jake Berry, Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth. “That is why we have provided £6 million 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 1300 new homes and create new employment opportunities.”

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/18032019/tarmac-begins-work-on-glasshoughton-southern-link-road/