Motorists face 11 weeks of delays for roadworks

Improvement work starts on Monday at Dewsbury Road in Thornes, around the George a Green Road and Flanshaw Lane crossroads near St Michael’s Church.

The work will last for 11 weeks.

It includes steps to improve traffic signals, creating a new crossing and making changes to pedestrian islands.

Wakefield Council said there will also be new parking bays created in the St Michael’s area, and an extended bus lane as part of the work.

Coun Matthew Morley, Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, said: “We apologise to drivers and other road users for any inconvenience caused but these works are necessary to maintain and improve our roads.

“The scheme on the A638 Dewsbury Road will benefit everyone who uses the road when it’s finished, and although there will be an unavoidable impact during the work we will do our best to keep it to a minimum.”

Elsewhere, resurfacing work on Queen’s Drive starts on August 1 for five days at the junction with Wakefield Road.

The work will be carried out from 7pm until 7am with some lane closures in place.

Motorists will be diverted via Queens Drive, Towngate, Prospect Road, Dale Street, Dewsbury Road, Wakefield Road, Ossett Bypass and Wakefield Road.

A gas mains replacement scheme is also being carried out on Kirkgate, outside Dixon Hall, from July 25 to August 19. One lane will be closed outbound on the road and drivers will be unable to turn left out of Calder Vale Road onto Kirkgate and instead diverted right towards Chantry roundabout.

Another gas mains replacement is taking place on Denby Dale Road, Durkar from July 25 until September 2, where an inbound lane will be closed.

Yorkshire Water is also carrying out works on Shay Lane, opposite Brook Farm in Walton, from this week until September 4. The road will be closed with a diversion signposted.