Hard Ings Road

Client: Bradford Council

Value: £3.8 million
Location: Keighley
Contract Period: 74 weeks
Contract Type: NEC3 Option A

Background

Howard Civil Engineering successfully undertook S278 works on the Hard Ings Road scheme in Keighley, Bradford, on behalf of Bradford Council.

The A650 is a key thoroughfare between Keighley and Bradford and was predominantly a dual carriageway except for Hard Ings Road, which was a pinch point for traffic.

Our improvement works for Hard Ings Road saw the existing road widened into a dual carriageway and the implementation of an extra lane on Beechcliffe Roundabout to ensure a reduction in congestion and an increase in road safety. The reduced congestion along Hard Ings Road is set to increase investment opportunities in the area and increase economic growth.

This was a very high-profile scheme and was a key point of interest for local residents, businesses, and commuters alike. To ensure all stakeholders remained informed of progress on the project, Howard Civil Engineering undertook a highly praised public liaison campaign which included fortnightly e-newsletters to over one thousand subscribers informing them of roadworks and forewarning them of possible delays. Throughout the duration of this scheme, we also contributed over £7,900 in fundraising and donations and over 160 volunteer hours to the Keighley community.

The scheme for the Hard Ings Road was developed by the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council (CBMDC). The scheme has received investment through the West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund as part of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Growth Deal - a £1 billion package of government investment to accelerate growth and create jobs across Leeds City Region.

Scope of works

  • Widening two existing lanes to 600m of Hard Ings Road; a main highly congested thoroughfare into Bradford
  • Numerous commercial, industrial, and retail businesses
  • Ambulance Station requiring full time access through the works
  • Stakeholder liaison management plan
  • Project management plan
  • Clear phasing plans for presentation to stakeholders
  • Sheet piled and masonry retaining walls to support widened carriageway
  • Extensive service diversions
  • Temporary traffic management design including applications to Bradford Council
  • New traffic-signal-controlled junction and roundabout
  • Management of pedestrians especially around sporting fixtures at Keighley Cricket Club and Keighley Cougars Rugby Club

Praise from our stakeholders

'I would like to praise [Howard Civil Engineering] and the site team in particular for the way in which you are coping despite the many pressures that Covid-19 is putting on all of us. I have been particularly impressed by the neatness and tidiness of the site and the general good organisation resulting in work that is as efficient as it could be. It must be a very uncertain time for all of the site team from you down to the cleaning team, but everyone is keeping going and staying positive.'

- David Aspinall, City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council

'Thank you so much! The work you have done is beyond amazing and makes such a huge difference. Your level of communication and professionalism has been top class throughout!'

- Sue Wells, member of the public

'Our family would like to thank you all for the very efficient way you have dealt with a very difficult project. We have really appreciated being kept informed as the work has progressed during this difficult time, and your support of the local community has been outstanding. Thank you all, the road looks really good now and it will be a pleasure to use.'

- Judith Johnson, member of the public

'May I thank you for these regular updates and especially for the excellent work which you have done on the Hard Ings Road improvements. I have used the road several times in the last few days and the reduction in traffic congestion and the high standard of the infrastructure is quite amazing.'

- Graham Mitchell, Former Keighley Town Mayor (2006-2007, 2014-2015). 

'I drive through this route daily, and I know a few of my colleagues do as well. You’ve done a great job and it actually has transformed my journey into work. Your newsletters have also been really welcome! And thanks for your contribution to the hospital charity, we always look forward to the dragon boat festival.'

- Member of the public

'I have never experienced such good communication with public regarding roadworks and impacts. Of course disruption is to be expected especially in such a high traffic volume area, however I use these routes regularly and feel that it has all been managed well to minimise impact as much as possible.'

- Member of the public

'Well done on completion of the improvement work especially working through unprecedented times and challenges! The level of communication and updates provided by these fortnightly newsletters has been excellent and made a difficult situation easier. I look forward to using and benefitting from the new road layouts as a regular commuter.'

- Member of the public

'I go past every day and the site is always clean, tidy and well managed. Looking forward to the much needed improvements.'

- Kevin Keogh, Contracts Manager at Ratcliffe Group

Community Engagement 


HCE sponsorship helps Keighley Cougars pounce back


New pitch covers for Keighley Cricket Club


Extra special return to school for Crossflatts Primary

An oar-some day at Bradford Dragon Boat Festival

An egg-cellent surprise for children at Airedale Children's Hospital

Supporting young women in STEM in our local community

 

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