Changes have been made to essential work to replace ageing metal gas pipework with new, more durable plastic pipes in Farnley.
As previously reported, Northern Gas Networks (NGN) plans to carry out work around Whincover Drive and Butterbowl Road.
But Councillors Adrian McCluskey and Kate Haigh (both Lab, Farnley & Wortley) have secured important changes to protect local bus services and maintain access for residents whilst work takes place.
“We contacted officers at the council and NGN to let them know that the loss of bus services for 10 weeks was not acceptable to residents,” the councillors said in a statement.
“After meeting NGN and their traffic management team officers were able to stop the full road closure that had been due to begin today (Tuesday, 10 February). All advance closure signs and the bus service notices have now been removed while new plans are put in place.”
They also met with West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and First Bus, who have agreed a revised plan that keeps buses running through the estate as normal.
Subject to final confirmation, NGN will begin their works on Monday 16 February, using temporary traffic lights instead of a full closure. The works are expected to last for around two weeks and will still benefit from the lower traffic levels during the school half-term.
Key changes include:
Whincover Drive
- The right turn from the Ring Road into Whincover Drive will be closed during the works.
- Drivers needing this turn will be directed to the Whitehall Road roundabout to return and turn left into the estate.
- This does not affect any bus services.
- Residents will still be able to turn onto the Ring Road in both directions when exiting Whincover Drive.
Bus stop suspension
- The bus stop on Whincover Drive at the junction with Butterbowl Road will be temporarily suspended as it falls within the works area.
- Passengers will be directed to the stop on the Ring Road, around 100m away, using formal crossing points.
Butterbowl Road - Butterbowl Road will be closed at its junction with Whincover Drive to provide safe working space and allow traffic to pass
Residents living on the one-way section of Butterbowl Road (numbers 1–23) will still be able to access their homes via Butterbowl Drive.
The councillors added: “WYCA were informed very late that the bus operator planned to withdraw part of the route during the original closure – something that rarely happens. Our intervention ensured this was reconsidered immediately so that the estate is not left without its usual bus service.”
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