HBBD · The Hebden Bridge Big Dig
HBBD
A proposed cutting through Hebden Bridge would take A646 through traffic below the town and, after safe road closure, provide a flood relief channel. Above it, pedestrian priority would shape the streets.
01 — The proposal
Through traffic below the town
The proposal follows the A646 alignment with an open rectangular cutting. Large deck sections would cover parts of the road, with frequent open gaps and public stairs between them.
In dry conditions the cutting would serve normal road operation. During a minor storm, proposed drainage below the road would manage water within operating limits that have yet to be modelled.
A surface that puts people first
The surface proposal is pedestrian priority with managed essential and accessible vehicle access. That means the design must accommodate accessible routes, emergency access, delivery arrangements and inclusive streets.
A second role during a flood
After access is closed, the road is evacuated and the cutting is confirmed empty, the proposal would admit water for flood relief. Safe closure comes before that change of use. The concept does not establish how much water the cutting could carry or the protection it could provide.