A major construction milestone has been reached at the new White Rose Rail Station in south Leeds, with the installation of two new link bridges from the main station buildings to platform level.
The new station, which is being built next to the White Rose Park between Morley and Cottingley on the main trans-Pennine route to Manchester via Huddersfield, is due to open next year. It will make it easier for people to walk, cycle and use public transport, connecting more people with jobs, training, education and leisure activities.
The two link bridges were installed overnight over the course of two weekends, using a 1,200-tonne crane. The east link bridge, which had to be built in two halves and welded together on-site, is 40m long and weighed 84 tonnes. The west link bridge is 20m long and weighs 46 tonnes.
The installation of the link bridges follows the installation of platform canopy sections earlier this year. The station will also have 80 cycle parking spaces and improved walking and cycling routes for local communities.
The scheme is being delivered in partnership by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Munroe K, Leeds City Council, Network Rail and the Department for Transport.
Tracy Brabin, mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “We’re determined to create a better-connected region where everyone has the same opportunity to get on in life. Investing in transport schemes that support economic growth, like the White Rose Rail Station, has a key role to play in that. This investment will bring new opportunities for people in nearby communities by boosting transport links, regeneration and jobs.”
Brabin last week welcomed the transport secretary, Mark Harper and minister for HS2, Huw Merriman to Bradford to discuss the newly promised Bradford station, which the Prime Minister announced last week as part of the new Network North, which will be replacing the scrapped HS2 Phase 2 leg.
📍 Bradford
— Mark Harper (@Mark_J_Harper) October 5, 2023
Redirecting HS2 funding now means we can fund so many projects - including £2bn for a new station at Bradford & a new connection to Manchester@HuwMerriman & I met @SHinchcliffe & @TracyBrabin to discuss the exciting plans made possible by @RishiSunak 👇 pic.twitter.com/AZfTY4q4zb
David Aspin, CEO of Munroe K, said: “Seeing the two foot bridges installed marks a significant milestone in the project and is real testament to the workmanship of the whole team at Spencer Group. In the recent weeks the station buildings have come to life as the external cladding has been added and now the passenger walkways.
“We’re excited to see the progress continue as we head towards the new station opening next year.”
Anna Weeks, Principal Programme Sponsor at Network Rail, said: “It’s always special to reach milestones such as this in the large-scale infrastructure projects that Network Rail supports alongside its partners.
“We’re proud to be playing our part in delivering a new accessible railway station for local residents and the wider public, offering them more sustainable ways to travel into Leeds city centre and beyond.”
Photo Credit: West Yorkshire Combined Authority
