New Castleford link road built to bring jobs, housing and better air quality to the district is open

The Glasshoughton Southern Link Road connects Whistler Drive to Bruce Smeaton Way at the Cutsyke Road roundabout and provides a more direct route to the leisure and retail area from Wakefield and Normanton.

The new highway is also helping to reduce congestion in the area, improve air quality and by offering more sustainable transport route for buses, cyclists and pedestrians, aligns with the Council’s commitment to tackle climate change in the district.

The road, which will lower carbon levels around the Glasshoughton area, has also led to the creation of a wetland, the planting of ‘bee-friendly’ wildflowers and a bridleway at Flass Lane.

Coun Matthew Morley, Cabinet Member for Planning and Highways, said: “It’s great news for the district that the road is now open and this investment will make a big difference in the local area.

“There are so many benefits including the potential for job opportunities, new housing, as well as better air quality, plus improvements to the environment and habitats.

“I’d like to thank the West Yorkshire Combined Authority who have supported our vision for the development of this part of the district.”

Chris Davidson, associate director of Harworth Group plc, which is bringing forward the 560-home Micklefields development off Flass Lane in Castleford, said: “Wakefield Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority deserve great credit in backing and successfully delivering yet another infrastructure project that unlocks significant benefits for residents and business like the Pontefract Northern Relief Road did in 2015.

"The new link road directly connects Micklefields with the M62, providing new access points, much improved cycling and walking connectivity to the Glasshoughton rail station and local amenities and significantly easing congestion ahead of the eventual completion of the development over the next five years."

The road passes along the periphery of a development area that has the potential for up to 1,300 new homes, 3,200 new regular jobs and 1,000 construction jobs.

The road has been funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority through the West Yorkshire Transport Fund.