Archived News 2007

A £12M road project to regenerate former coalfield areas in Castleford and Normanton has been given the final go-ahead and a £6.5M Government funding package

The new road scheme – the Glass Houghton Coalfields Link Road – is a 3.4km single carriageway linking the Normanton Bypass to Leeds Road at Glass Houghton near the Asda supermarket and forms a wider package of regeneration and transport measures for the area, which are being developed by Wakefield Council.

Councillor Peter Box, Leader of Wakefield Council said:

"This news gives a tremendous boost to the major regeneration projects that are already underway in the area and will allow the completion of additional developments creating significant new employment opportunities.

“This is a very exciting time to be living and working in the district and it is our aim to ensure everyone benefits from the regeneration of Wakefield's city and towns."

The overall cost of the scheme is £12M and the remaining funding will be sourced from private sector developers.

Construction on the new road, which will help relieve traffic on the M62 junction 31, is planned to start by August and work is planned for completion by early 2009.

Transport Minister Gillian Merron said:

“This is excellent news for West Yorkshire. This scheme will provide a terrific boost for the regeneration of the area. The new road will enable local traffic to be diverted away from the busy junction 31 of the M62 which in turn will allow development sites at Castleford and Normanton to be opened up.

"The Government is committed to improving the road network to aid regeneration, tackle congestion and improve safety and for this reason I am delighted to be able to approve this £6.5M grant towards this scheme."

Wakefield First - 16 July 2007