Major road between Wakefield and Pontefract to close to all traffic over Christmas - with a 10 mile diversion in place

Doncaster Road, which serves as a major link between the city and neighbouring towns including Featherstone, Pontefract and Hemsworth, has closed to all traffic while major work is carried out on an overhead railway bridge.

The overpass, known locally as Redbeck Bridge, has been the site of many collisions over the years, many caused by drivers in high sided vehicles misjudging the height of the bridge.

Network Rail are now carrying out a £3.7million project to reconstruct and upgrade the overpass at a taller height.

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.”

A number of partial road closures have been in place since work began last month, but a full closure comes into place at 7pm today (Tuesday, December 22), and will remain in place until Wednesday, December 30.

An official diversion measuring 16km (or 10 miles), through Warmfield, Ackton and Sharlston Common, is in place, and drivers are warned to allow extra time for the journeys.

While the road is closed, two shuttle buses are in place for pedestrians, one of which has space for wheelchairs and bikes.

There will be a further five overnight road closures on each Saturday in January 2021. Doncaster Road will close from 19:00 on Saturday until 07:00 on the Sunday morning each week.