Major programme brings phased road closures
Motorists in Huddersfield are being warned to expect further disruption over the coming weeks as the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) advances works across the town centre, the A62 Leeds Road corridor at Deighton and Colne Bridge Road. The programme includes a mix of all-day and weekend closures, with signed diversions, and limited pedestrian access maintained at certain locations.
Town centre restrictions will affect Fitzwilliam Street, John William Street and the A641 Bradford Road/Northgate, while weekend shutdowns are planned again on the A62. Colne Bridge Road will also close during specified windows, following two recent lengthy closures linked to bridge replacement works that have already strained surrounding routes.
“We really appreciate the local community’s patience and understanding while we complete these improvement works,” said Sophie Leishman, TRU sponsor. “Advance warning and diversion signage will be in place on roads, with the most up-to-date diversion information available at www.roadworks.org. Work is progressing well with the completion of two major periods of improvement work between Huddersfield and Leeds across May and June.”
When and where roads will shut
The latest update from TRU sets out the following closures. Where noted, pedestrian access will be maintained during the works:
| Road | Closure window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fitzwilliam Street | Closed until Friday 7 August 2026 | Town centre route |
| John William Street | 20:00 Fri 31 July to 05:00 Mon 3 August 2026 | Weekend closure |
| A641 Bradford Road / Northgate | 05:00 Mon 3 August to 20:00 Fri 7 August 2026 | Week-long daytime closure |
| A641 Bradford Road / Northgate | 05:00 Mon 10 August to 20:00 Fri 14 August 2026 | Week-long daytime closure |
| A641 Bradford Road / Northgate | 05:00 Mon 17 August to 20:00 Fri 21 August 2026 | Week-long daytime closure |
| A641 Bradford Road / Northgate | 05:00 Mon 24 August to 20:00 Fri 28 August 2026 | Week-long daytime closure |
| Cross Church Street | Closed 22:00 Fri 21 August to 10:00 Sun 23 August 2026 | Town centre overnight and weekend |
| A62 Leeds Road | 20:00 Fri 17 July to 05:00 Mon 20 July 2026 | Weekend closure; pedestrians maintained |
| A62 Leeds Road | 20:00 Fri 24 July to 05:00 Mon 27 July 2026 | Weekend closure; pedestrians maintained |
| A62 Leeds Road | 20:00 Fri 31 July to 05:00 Mon 3 August 2026 | Weekend closure; pedestrians maintained |
| Colne Bridge Road | 05:00 Mon 13 July to 20:00 Fri 17 July 2026 | Pedestrian access maintained |
| Colne Bridge Road | 23:30 Fri 7 August to 22:00 Sat 8 August 2026 | Pedestrian access maintained |
What drivers and residents should expect
The combination of town centre and arterial route closures is likely to push additional traffic onto diversion routes and local streets, particularly around Deighton, Bradley and the Lower Calder Valley during A62 and Colne Bridge restrictions. The area has already seen congestion build during earlier phases, and local businesses, including the Royal and Ancient pub at Colne Bridge, have reported knock-on effects from recent bridge works.
TRU has indicated that there are currently no further closures exceeding three weeks “at the moment”. However, the programme remains complex and future phases will be communicated to residents directly by letter, with on-street signage giving advance notice where possible.
Staying informed and planning journeys
For the most current diversion information, drivers are advised to use the mapping at www.roadworks.org and to follow temporary signage on approach to closure points. Allowing extra time, considering alternative routes, or shifting travel outside peak hours during weekend shutdowns will help reduce delays.
- Check live updates before setting off, especially ahead of Friday evening and Monday morning changeovers.
- Look out for pedestrian access notes where walking through a closure is possible.
- Businesses and residents affected by access changes should watch for TRU letters with detailed timings.
The Transpennine Route Upgrade is a multi-year rail improvement scheme between Huddersfield and Leeds. While road users may feel the impact in the short term, the works are intended to enable major rail enhancements across the corridor, with significant activity continuing through the summer.