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 will be 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.
The gas main is being diverted under the railway line via a bored tunnel.
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.
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.
