Preparatory works have commenced in West Vale on a transport improvement programme designed to better link Elland town centre with neighbouring areas.

Approved by planners in November 2024, the package aims to deliver safer, more convenient routes and to enhance access to the planned new Elland Rail Station.

Calderdale Council appointed Esh Construction in January 2025 to develop the project's detailed designs with partner Fairhurst, ahead of main works beginning this month.

Steven Garrigan, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said: "We are pleased to be working in partnership with Calderdale Council to bring our knowledge and expertise in delivering high-quality public realm schemes to the Elland Access Package. Projects like this make a real difference to communities and are a catalyst for future growth and development.

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"Throughout the scheme we are committed to making an impact locally by delivering a raft of social value initiatives. This will include providing work experience placements, apprenticeship and T Level opportunities on site, donations, volunteering, and reinvesting money into the local economy through responsible procurement."

In Elland, a new pedestrian and cycle bridge will span both the Calder and Hebble Navigation and the River Calder, creating direct links between Park Road, Gas Works Lane and Riverside Park. Upgrades to existing footways and the canal towpath are planned, alongside a new children’s play area and landscaping to enhance public spaces and the local environment.

A second pedestrian and cycle bridge in West Vale will cross the River Calder to open up a new route between West Vale and Elland via the Calder and Hebble Navigation. A new access from Stainland Road will also be formed, running parallel to the Black Brook to connect with the bridge.

Early site activities include installing a crane pad, carrying out ground investigations, and creating pile platforms to support piling for bridge piers and abutments. Riverside Park will act as a construction compound for the new Elland bridge.

The project has been procured through YORhub's YORcivil3 framework and is backed by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund and the UK Government's Transforming Cities Fund.