WEST Yorkshire’s Mayor says people are currently put off from riding a popular walking and cycling route at night.

A meeting of West Yorkshire Combined Authority today agreed to progress plans for the £12.8m A638 Dewsbury/Cleckheaton Sustainable Travel Corridor.

The work will see new bus lanes, signalised crossings and pedestrian refuges created on the A638 between the Chain Bar Roundabout and Dewsbury.

The plans will also see major upgrades to the Spen Valley Greenway, including a widening and resurfacing of the greenway and better links with other travel routes.

There will also be new safety measures, such as improved lighting along the greenway – something that was welcomed by Mayor Tracy Brabin.

The plan was discussed at a meeting of the Combined Authority’s Finance, Resources and Corporate Committee on Tuesday, where members agreed to move the project to the full business case stage.

Members were told that the scheme would boost active travel, making it much easier to walk, cycle and use public transport.

'Why I think the Spen Valley Greenway is a beautiful place to be'

The work includes a 2.1km cycle lane between Cleckheaton and Heckmondwike town centres, improvements to walking routes around Heckmondwike Grammar School, a number of “pocket parks,” more signalised junctions and a 700 metre bus lane on the southbound approach of M62 Chain Bar roundabout.

Melanie Corcoran, director of delivery at the Combined Authority, told members that using Government guidelines, this scheme was actually classed as “low value for money.”

However, she said this classification was based on how schemes improve car traffic.

Mrs Corcoran said: “Motorists are not the priority of this scheme. The treasury has stressed to us that we can look at projects based on a strategic case, and this project does have strong benefits.”

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said she was glad so much work was being proposed for the Spen Valley Greenway, adding: “Parts of the route are very attractive, but at night you wouldn’t cycle there.”

She said there had been numerous accidents on the A638, so extra crossings and pedestrian refuges would be welcomed.

Dewsbury Councillor Cathy Scott said: “This is an important scheme for Kirklees. It is the first active travel corridor in North Kirklees.”

The work to the Spen Valley Greenway and Spen Ringway will be the first phase of this project.

The second phase will cover the on-highway works on the A638.

Work is expected to start in December and be completed by June 2024.