A639 road

A639 road is a significant A-road located in West Yorkshire, England, forming a key transport link between the city of Wakefield and the town of Normanton. It serves as a vital distributor for local traffic and provides connectivity to major regional routes, including the A638 road and the M62 motorway. The road traverses a mix of urban and semi-rural landscapes, playing an important role in the economic and social infrastructure of the City of Wakefield metropolitan area.

Route description

The A639 road begins in central Wakefield near the historic Wakefield Cathedral, heading north-east from its junction with the A61 road. It passes through areas including Eastmoor and Alverthorpe, characterized by residential and light industrial developments. The route continues past the Pugneys Country Park before crossing the River Calder and the Calder and Hebble Navigation canal. It then proceeds through the outskirts of Normanton, where it intersects with the A655 road, ultimately terminating at a major roundabout junction with the A638 road near the M62 motorway at junction 31. This section provides crucial access to the national motorway network, facilitating travel to cities like Leeds and Manchester.

History

The alignment of the A639 road follows historical turnpike routes established in the 18th and 19th centuries to improve transport between the growing industrial centres of the West Riding of Yorkshire. Its development was closely tied to the expansion of the coal mining industry in the Wakefield area and the construction of the Normanton railway yards. Significant modifications occurred in the mid-20th century with post-war road improvement schemes, including realignments to accommodate increased vehicular traffic from the new M1 motorway and the opening of the M62 motorway in the 1970s. The road's infrastructure, including bridges over the River Calder, has been upgraded periodically by West Yorkshire Metropolitan County Council and later by Wakefield Metropolitan District Council.

Junctions

The A639 road features several key junctions along its length. From its western terminus in Wakefield, it meets the A61 road at a signal-controlled intersection. Progressing east, it intersects with the B6388 road near Eastmoor and connects with local roads serving Pugneys Country Park. A significant grade-separated junction exists where it crosses the M1 motorway, though no direct access is provided. The road then has a major at-grade junction with the A655 road on the approach to Normanton. Its eastern terminus is a large roundabout providing full access to the A638 road and, via slip roads, to junction 31 of the M62 motorway, which also offers connections to the A1(M) motorway.

Future developments

Future plans for the A639 road are integrated within the wider transport strategy of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Proposals under the West Yorkshire Transport Strategy 2040 include potential junction improvements at the confluence with the A655 road to alleviate congestion. There are also considerations for enhanced cycling and walking infrastructure along sections of the route, aligning with the City of Wakefield's active travel policies. Long-term discussions, subject to funding from National Highways and the Department for Transport, may explore capacity upgrades near the M62 motorway junction to support anticipated growth from major housing and commercial developments in the Leeds City Region.

Category:A roads in West Yorkshire Category:Roads in the City of Wakefield