First pictures of new Redbeck railway bridge over busy Wakefield road after £3.7m upgrade project completed

Work has been completed on a new state-of-the-art railway bridge over a busy Wakefield road, following the replacement of an old bridge notorious for collisions.
The new, 635-tonne bridge was installed on Christmas Day. It is higher and stronger than the previous bridge, which had stood for 140 years. Photo: Network RailThe new, 635-tonne bridge was installed on Christmas Day. It is higher and stronger than the previous bridge, which had stood for 140 years. Photo: Network Rail
The new, 635-tonne bridge was installed on Christmas Day. It is higher and stronger than the previous bridge, which had stood for 140 years. Photo: Network Rail

Network Rail has released pictures of the new bridge over Doncaster Road, Wakefield which has been replaced as part of a £3.7m upgrade project.

The area has become notorious for collisions in recent years, with high-sided vehicles repeatedly colliding with the 140-year-old railway bridge.

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As part of the upgrade project, engineers carried out vital work to remove the structure, Known locally as Redbeck Bridge, and replace it with a newer, higher bridge.

Teams worked for more than four months to remove and replace Redbeck Bridge over Doncaster Road, Crofton. Photo: Network RailTeams worked for more than four months to remove and replace Redbeck Bridge over Doncaster Road, Crofton. Photo: Network Rail
Teams worked for more than four months to remove and replace Redbeck Bridge over Doncaster Road, Crofton. Photo: Network Rail

The work took more than four months to complete, with replacement primarily carried out over Christmas, when no trains were running on the Knottingley to Leeds line.

The new bridge weighs 635 tonnes, and was installed on Christmas Day.

Matt Rice, Route Director for Network Rail’s North and East route, said: “It’s great to see this major project to upgrade the railway bridge in Crofton complete, so it can continue to be used safely and reliably for future generations.

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“The line that the bridge carries, as well as Doncaster Road which runs underneath it, are vital links for people in Wakefield to connect to other towns and cities across the region.

Work has been completed on a new state-of-the-art railway bridge over a busy Wakefield road, following the replacement of an old bridge notorious for collisions. Photo: Network RailWork has been completed on a new state-of-the-art railway bridge over a busy Wakefield road, following the replacement of an old bridge notorious for collisions. Photo: Network Rail
Work has been completed on a new state-of-the-art railway bridge over a busy Wakefield road, following the replacement of an old bridge notorious for collisions. Photo: Network Rail

“We want to thank residents and businesses in Crofton for their patience whilst this essential work was carried out.”

Network Rail teams spent the last two years carefully planning the project, so it could take place without disrupting train services.

Whilst the bridge was having its reconstruction, it was also important to keep at least one lane on Doncaster Road – a vital link into Wakefield for people in Crofton – open as much as possible, with some full road closures at less busy times.