New closure dates and times on major Wakefield road as railway bridge reconstruction gets underway

Network Rail has started work on a £3,7million project to upgrade the railway bridge at Doncaster Road in Crofton.

Work began on October 19 to fully reconstruct the bridge, which carries the Knottingley to Leeds line, to make sure it remains fit for purpose for years to come.

The railway bridge, which was built in 1880, has been struck by high-sided vehicles over the years, which has cause structural damage.

Network Rail engineers will demolish the bridge, then build a stronger one at a slightly raised height, which will help to reduce the number of bridge strikes.

Collision protection beams will also be installed, which will help to prevent damage. These improvements will mean that passenger services, as well as critical freight trains, can continue running safely and reliably.

This work will have no impact on passenger train services and the main part of the project will take place over the Christmas period. The upgrade is expected to complete in February 2021.

For this work to be carried out safely, Doncaster Road will have some traffic restrictions:

There will be five overnight full closures each Saturday from November 21 (21 November, 28 November, 5 December,12 December and 19 December). The road will close from 9pm on Saturday until 8am on the Sunday morning each week.

Pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will continue to be able to go under the bridge and drivers will be diverted.

One lane will be closed from 8am from Sunday, November 22 until Saturday, January 30. Traffic lights will be in place.

The road will close at 7pm on Tuesday, December 22 until 7pm on Wednesday, December 30. There will be no access under the bridge at this time and two shuttle buses will be provided for pedestrians, one of which will have space for wheelchairs and bikes.

There will also be five overnight road closures on each Saturday in January 2021. Doncaster Road will close from 9pm on Saturday until 9am on the Sunday morning each week.

Matt Rice, Route Director for Network Rail’s North and East route, said: “This work to upgrade the bridge at Doncaster Road is vital for the railway and for the community in Crofton. It will mean train services can continue running safely and reliably for generations to come.

“We’ve carefully planned the work to make sure that Doncaster Road remains open whenever possible, especially at busier times. Key parts of this project can only be carried out safely when the road is closed, and we apologise to drivers, residents and businesses in Crofton for any inconvenience.”

Network Rail is strongly advising drivers to know the height of their vehicle, as bridge strikes are entirely avoidable. They can cause damage to the railway and delays to train services, and cost taxpayers millions of pounds every year.

People can find out more about Network Rail’s ‘Wise Up, Size Up’ campaign to help combat bridge strikes by clicking here.