Major changes are revealed in £1bn rail plans
STATION MOVES AND BRIDGE REBUILD IN SCHEME PROPOSALS
RAIL chiefs want to move two stations, adjust a viaduct in central Huddersfield and demolish and rebuild a busy road bridge.
New details about the £1bn Huddersfield to Dewsbury electrification and rail widening scheme were released yesterday as the second stage of public consultation begins.
Network Rail is asking train users and residents for their views on a number of major pieces of new infrastructure.
But the most significant proposal for discussion will affect motorists more than rail users.
Plans to completely rebuild the historic Colne Bridge Road bridge will impact the tens of thousands of motorists who travel over it each day.
The Examiner revealed last year that the busy link between north east Huddersfield, the M62 and the M1 is likely to be closed for up to two years, meaning traffic could be rerouted through Mirfield.
Rail bosses have now revealed they have a second option to build a bridge adjacent to the current bridge, which could potentially avoid the full road closure, although that has not been confirmed by Network Rail.
In the centre of Huddersfield, plans to rebuild the John William Street bridge are also being formed. Network Rail is asking for views on the design, which is close to a number of listed buildings.
Huddersfield Railway Station will also be adjusted and an extra platform built.
Further down the route, plans to move Deighton and Ravensthorpe stations are also proposed.
In Mirfield, Network Rail has confirmed it wants to revamp the station and provide step free access from the car park.
The westbound platform will be moved to the same side as the eastbound and a new footbridge built across Station Road.
Lastly, a plan on whether to build a bridge or a tunnel on the edge of Ravensthorpe is up for discussion.
Work is set to start in mid to late 2022 if approved by the Secretary of State.
The projects in more detail:
Colne Bridge Road is formed of two arches, both are currently not large enough to allow for the proposed railway to pass through – meaning an all new bridge is a must. Rail chiefs could build one adjacent to the current one, which might prevent road closures but requires new land, or knock the existing one down