Road linking two towns shut again after water leak

A major road connecting two market towns has been shut due to a damaged water main a year after it was closed for emergency sewer repairs.

The A646 between Hebden Bridge and Todmorden has been closed since 10 February from the junction with Stoodley Glen and the lay-by outside the property known as Rivendell while Yorkshire Water carries out the work.

Diversions and a shuttle bus are in place, with the road not due to open until 21 February, according to the water company.

A spokesperson added: "We understand just how disruptive this closure has been and would like to apologise for this just over a year after a previous road closure due to a sewer collapse."

Previously, the A646 was shut from 13 December 2024 until 23 January 2025 after a culvert collapsed and damage to a sewer was discovered.

Yorkshire Water said: "We understand that there may be some additional frustration from those living and working in the area and would like to assure everyone that it is an absolute priority for us to complete this work quickly, so that we can return things to normal for everyone.

"The estimated date for reopening remains Saturday 21 February, though this can be impacted by multiple factors, including the weather and ground conditions, and may change."

The signed diversion route is via the A6033 through Littleborough, Blackstone Edge, Cragg Road and into Mytholmroyd.

The daily shuttle service will run between Todmorden and the closure point, between 07:00 and 19:00 GMT.

A second bus is operating from the Hebden Bridge side of the Knowle End Farm closure point and will be running from 9:00 to 17:00 GMT.

Pedestrian access remains the same.

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