Network Rail is responsible for maintaining the railway network, and this includes making it as safe as possible for passengers and the public. Level crossings can pose a serious risk to users and by increasing the line speed and frequency of trains this risk is likely to increase, so we want to create a safer way for people to cross to reduce the risk of any accidents.
The current Barrowby Lane Level crossing, looking towards Leeds
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.
Last Autumn, 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.
This new bridge is one of the first of these elements to begin construction under this Order.
Our work will involve five key stages, between 10 March and November 2025.
To minimise noise and disturbance as much as we can, we will be carrying out the vast majority of our work during daytimes only, between 0700 and 1800. However, there will be occasions when we will have to carry out work overnight. This is when we will be working on the site’s boundary with the railway line and we can only safely carry out this work when trains aren’t running.
The map below shows where we will be working:
Stage 1. Site set up and mobilisation: 10 March to April 2025
This will involve upgrading the existing bridleway to allow construction vehicle access to the compound area, some vegetation clearance, installing stone hard standings and working areas. This will involve the use of excavators, dumpers, rollers, HGVs and chainsaws.
Stage 2. Ground improvement works: April to May 2025
The area under the footprint of the new footbridge structure requires strengthening. This will involve drilling approximately 70 holes and installing a grout mix to provide the additional strength required. This will involve the use of compressors, pumps and drilling rigs.
Stage 3. Foundation works: May to September 2025
The new structure will be supported on 38 steel piles. These piles will be driven into the strengthened earth and concrete foundations installed on top of these piles. This will involve the use of excavators with piling attachments, concrete pumps and concrete wagons.
Stage 4. Bridge installation: September 2025
The new bridge sections including the ramps, supports and bridge span over the tracks will be installed. This will involve the use of a mobile crane, telehandlers and HGVs.
Stage 5. Landscaping and site demobilisation: September to November 2025
We will remove the hard standings and compounds and install new fencing, footpaths and vegetation. This will involve the use of excavators, dumpers and HGVs
