The M62 motorway crosses the dam wall and then passes through a cutting to the west over which Scammonden Bridge carries the B6114.

Historically in the West Riding of Yorkshire, Scammonden or Dean Head was a township and chapelry in Huddersfield parish covering more than 2,000 acres.

A motorway and dam across the Dean Head Valley was proposed in the early 1960s and work began in 1964.

[6] Below Scammonden Road is an archaeological site of a late prehistoric settlement known as Meg Dyke.

[1] The church roof was replaced in 2002 with the aid of grants from English Heritage, charities and other community fundraising activities.