Welcome to your fifteenth newsletter providing you with information regarding the Hard Ings Road Improvement scheme in Keighley.
We have received numerous emails from those understandably frustrated with the tailback on the A629 and the associated, sometimes confrontational, merging of traffic into one lane approaching the roundabout.
The temporary traffic management works on the A629 have been planned months in advance and are being executed with full approval from the Highway Authority, City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council (CBMDC). We are also governed by the permissible legal parameters that are outlined by Chapter 8 of Traffic Signs Manual. We fully take on board your concerns and suggestions for improvements. We recently requested that CBMDC review the current layout and traffic management plans with a view to potentially adding in additional signage that would encourage commuters and motorists to use both lanes and merge in turn. Their conclusion not to use the merge in turn signs is a collective decision from all involved in the project and Bradford Council’s road network management department. We know from experience that the use of 'merge in turn' signs do not result in all motorists using both lanes and merging alternately. In fact, if it did, the delays would actually increase due to the multiple merge manoeuvres. We all believe the system in place currently is safe. This is our main concern. We do not condone motorists 'blocking' lane 2 to prevent others using it. This only results in increased frustration and confrontation.
We have also considered closing lane 2 right back to Steeton roundabout, but this would result in the same problem moving further west.
We agree that our occasional use of traffic signals on Hard Ings Road on Sundays further compounds the traffic delays in the area. We can only apologise for these essential road crossings required for the service diversions. We are unable to carry out these crossings at night due to noise restrictions in place to prevent keeping our local residents awake.
We appreciate that everyone has different valid opinions of the management of these works. We are working hard to minimise this period of intensive traffic disruption.
This past 2 weeks we have been continuing our works to realign the central reservations in the vicinity of Beechcliffe Roundabout. We have also continued the installation of traffic management and street lighting equipment on the periphery to the roundabout.
Yorkshire Water have continued with the water main diversion works.
Works to complete the Fibreline and Allotment areas are nearing their completion with the rendering of the walls and installation of fencing as we prepare for surfacing.
Gates, railings and handrails will be installed in the Fibreline and allotment area. The surfacing of the car parks area and ramps will then follow.
YW will continue with the major water main diversion works.
We anticipate the lane closures on the A629 will remain in place until early spring. This will continue to cause traffic disruption in the area, especially at peak times. We would advise you to take alternative routes during this time, if possible, and also allow extra time for your journeys, both at peak times and throughout the day. Please bear with us during this period of increased traffic disruption, necessary for the resulting long term improvements to your road network.
The following diversions remain in place by the bus companies previously using the now closed Lawkholme Lane junction.
Route P23 for Steeton Village Primary School will have an amended route. There will be no pick up on Lawkholme Lane. AM: the bus will start at the bus stop on Skipton Road at East Avenue (08:22) then along Skipton Road to Devonshire Street and the usual route thereafter. Therefore the bus will not operate along Lawkholme Lane. PM: as per the usual route from the school as far as the roundabout at Skipton Road/Hard Ings then continue along Skipton Road (16:10 at East Avenue) toward Devonshire Street and the usual route thereafter. Those passengers who usually board or alight at the stops at the top of Lawkholme Lane near Hard Ings are advised to use the bus stop on Skipton Road at East Avenue. This amendment will continue for the duration of the works at Hard Ings or until such time the turn restriction is lifted. Details of all school bus diversions are also available at https://www.wymetro.com/schools/school-bus-service-changes-and-disruptions/
The K17 service will have an amended route. It will not use Lawkholme Lane, beyond Bradford Street. It will also not use Royd Way and Royd Ings Avenue for the period of the Lawkholme Lane Closure. A new stop will be in place near ASDA for the diverted route. K17 Divert via Bradford Street, Brown Street, Bingley Street (Outbound temporary bus stop near ASDA), Bradford Road A6035 and Alston Road. Details of all diversions are also available at https://www.wymetro.com/plan-a-journey/travel-news/bus-alerts/
There are several ways you can contact the site team for enquiries, concerns or comments. The following staff members are based on site full time Bradford Council Project Manager - David Aspinall Email hardingsroad@bradford.gov.uk Howard Civil Engineering Project Manager - Tony Kilbane 07394 567341 Visiting the site is Howard Civil Engineering Liaison Officer/Newsletter editor - Lucie Jones 0113 249 8569
Or contact me, Lucie Jones on Hard.Ings@howardcivileng.co.uk
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