Improvements planned for dangerous road

The work includes four road islands that are set to be built on the A628, Castle Syke Hill, just north of High Ackworth.

Calls have been growing for changes to be made to the road after a number of collisions, including one which killed a retired couple in June 2019 as they travelled as passengers in a taxi.

Ackworth district councillor, Martyn Ward, welcomed the planned alterations.

He said: “We have been lobbying pretty hard with Ackworth Parish Council to see these developments coming into being.

“There is demand all over the district for road safety improvements but we felt that this road met the criteria.

“We are pleased that Wakefield council has decided to take some action, it’s greatly needed.

“The number of accidents that occur there justify it.

“It’s heartbreaking when you think about the accidents that have happened there, so the sooner the work can be done, the better.”

Wakefield Council said that the road islands will be created between the junction with Sandy Gate Lane and Pontefract.

There will also be a central reservation installed and improvements to road markings to enhance their visibility.

Gary Blenkinsop, Wakefield Council’s service director for environment and streetscene, said: “Road improvements are being planned for the Ackworth area to help reduce speeds in the area and improve road safety.

“A consultation is taking place and all views will be fully considered before any work begins, hopefully within the new few months.”