To do this, we need to reconstruct the bridges at Austhorpe Lane and divert a high pressure gas main attached to the road bridge, as they are currently too low to accommodate the overhead line equipment needed to provide the power supply.
We carried out a public consultation to share our proposals with the local community and hear their feedback on our plans during October and November 2022.
In October 2024, the Secretary of State for Transport approved a Transport and Works Act Order, granting us permission to deliver this and a number of other major elements of the Transpennine Route Upgrade between Leeds and Micklefield.
We are demolishing the existing bridges and installing a new combined road and footbridge in the location of the existing road bridge.
The bridge will be reconstructed with a carriageway and a footway on one side of structure to provide replacement pedestrian access. The works will require widening of the existing bridge abutments.
The new bridge is designed to be sensitive to the local area, and the current bridge’s listed status.
Northern Gas Networks is diverting the gas main under the railway line via a bored tunnel. Further information and updates on this work can be found on NGN’s website here
To enable this work to be safely carried out, Austhorpe Lane bridges will be closed to all vehicles and pedestrians between 7 April 2026 and 15 January 2027. The rest of Austhorpe Lane will remain open.
Traffic will be diverted via a clearly signposted diversionary route along Austhorpe Road, Station Road, Ring Road Halton, Whitkirk Lane and Austhorpe Lane.
An alternative route for pedestrians is available via Austhorpe Road, Station Road, the pedestrian footpath to Kennerleigh Drive, Kennerleigh Avenue and Austhorpe Lane.
Bus services 21 & 22 will be diverted – click here for details.
The road closure and alternative routes are shown on the map below:
Several other pedestrian options were carefully investigated, but were discounted due to numerous issues, including lack of available land and access, ground conditions and significant impacts on access and residents’ privacy.
February to April 2026: Site mobilisation. The site is shown to the right. There will be a slight increase in HGV movements as deliveries are made to site.
April to May 2026: Closure of Austhorpe Lane over the railway for demolition preparation. This will include the removal of the road surface, the diversion of utility services, the removal of bridge parapents and infill material.
June 2026: Demolition of Austhorpe Lane road bridge and footbridge. The gas main will also be lifted using a crane at ground level. There will be impact on adjacent properties during the crane works due to space required, and during demolition due to size of plant needed and spoil generated.
June to August 2026: Installation preparation. We will be excavating into the slope for piling platforms, then piling and pouring concrete to enable the creation of the new bridge abutment platforms. Some additional traffic management will be in place to ensure safe access for adjacent residents.
August 2026: Installation of new bridge. A large crane will be set up on the south of the bridge. Steel and pre-cast concrete units will be delivered from the compound to the site. There will be impact on access to adjacent properties during the crane works due to space required for the crane and the steel and concrete sections being installed.
August 2026 to January 2027: Structure works and highway build. We will pour the remaining concrete elements, install waterproofing, back-fill the new bridge deck ends and complete masonry work to the bridge parapets in line with our heritage agreements.
We will construct the new road alignment, install drainage, kerbs and safety barriers, then install the new road surface, white lining and road signage. Changes to both the road alignment and level may temporarily impact access to adjacent properties.
The removal of the existing road bridge and pedestrian bridge takes place during the weekend of Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June 2026.
Saturday 6 June 06:00-16:00 – A protective cover will be placed over the railway tracks beneath the road bridge to protect them from falling masonry and to assist in the removal of the stone from the bridge.
Saturday 6 June 16:00-22:00 Large excavators fitted with breaker attachments will be used to break down the old bridge arch
Saturday 6 June 22:00-Sunday 7 June 04:00 The stone will be removed. The stone is being refurbished and will be re-used to clad the sides of the new bridge deck, following its installation in August.
Sunday 7 June 04:00-07:00 The stone bridge abutments will be demolished.
Sunday 7 June 07:00-09:00 The remaining stone will be removed for refurbishment and re-use.
Sunday 7 June 09:00-20:00 The track protection will be removed.
Sunday 7 June 21:00-23:00 The railway will be inspected, ready for re-opening on Monday morning.
We understand that working near people’s homes is never ideal and we’re sorry in advance for any disruption that this might cause. The equipment that we use means that some noise will be unavoidable, however, our staff are briefed and will be mindful when working, making sure we’ve taken all necessary steps to keep avoidable noise and disruption to a minimum.
Did you know…
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• Austhorpe Lane railway bridge was constructed for the Leeds & Selby Railway between 1830 & 1834. |
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• It was designed by James Walker & Alfred Burges, who also designed the lighthouses in Whitby. |
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• It was built by contractors Simon Hamer & Abraham Pratt, who built several other bridges on the line. |
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• The bridges on the line are considered to be the first in the world built to accommodate four railway tracks. |
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• The separate footbridge was added in 1961. |
