HUDDERSFIELD motorists face disruption as roadworks on two major routes are planned.

Councillors will decide next week whether to fund the resurfacing of Wakefield Road and Penistone Road.

Officials have drawn up plans for £1m worth of repairs to the busy arterial routes – but warned residents to expect major disruption.

Kirklees Council’s Labour Cabinet will decide next week whether to commit £730,000 to resurface a mile of Wakefield Road between Waterloo Rise and Broad Lane at Dalton.

According to council officials: “We are aware that this scheme may cause significant difficulties for local businesses, residents and through traffic.

“Officers will be in discussions with local councillors about the proposed improvements, and how delay and disruption can be minimised where possible.”

Kirklees officers will try to reduce the impact of the work by:

Erecting signs warning of delays before the resurfacing begins.

Closing the inbound bus lane.

Shutting some junctions of side streets on to Wakefield Road for safety reasons.

Carrying out the work in phases and trying to maintain access to as many businesses on the road as possible.

Using temporary traffic lights.

Working at off-peak times to minimise disruption.

The Cabinet has also been asked to fund £354,000 of improvements to Penistone Road.

The work is planned for a mile-long stretch from The Star pub at Fenay Bridge to Reliance Gears at Rowley Mills. Officials plan to close side streets and use temporary traffic lights during the resurfacing.

The work is due to take place during off-peak times – from 9.30am to 3.30pm and from 7pm to 11pm.

Officers have suggested using Section 58 Protection on both the Penistone Road and Wakefield Road resurfacing. This would stop utility companies from digging up the two stretches of road within three years of the work finishing.

Clr James Blanchard, who represents both areas affected, said the work was needed.

“We get a hell of a lot of complaints about the state of the road. It’s vital that we fix them properly,” said the Almondbury Lib Dem.

“I’m excited about the Penistone Road improvement as this will include a 30mph zone with speed indicators to make sure that drivers keep to the limit.

“So long as we get better, safer roads then I think people will be happy with that.”

The council’s Labour Cabinet will decide on the two spending plans at its meeting at Huddersfield Town Hall from 4pm on Tuesday.