Three months of roadworks to begin on railway bridge over busy road between Wakefield and Pontefract

The bridge over Doncaster Road, Crofton, is known locally as Redbeck Bridge, and has been the site of many collisions over the years, as drivers in high-sided vehicles misjudge the height of the railway lines.

But Network Rail have now confirmed plans to begin a £3.7million project to reconstuct and upgrade the overpass.

Beginning later this month, the work will see the bridge demolished and rebuilt at a raised height.

Collision protection beams will also be installed to help prevent damage and limit future disruption to passing trains.

Road closures and diversions are expected to be in place until the work is completed in February 2021.

There will be no impact on passenger train services, but some road and lane closures will be required as work is carried out.

These will be restricted to the Christmas period as much as possible, Network Rail said.

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.”

Redbeck Bridge was built in 1880, and is part of the the Knottingley to Leeds railway line, which carries both passenger and freight trains.

Five full overnight closures have been planed each Saturday from November 21. The road will close from 7pm on Saturday until 7am on Sunday. Pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will still be allowed to pass under the bridge, while drivers will be diverted.

From Sunday, November 22 until Saturday, January 30, there will be a partial road closure and one lane will be closed from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday. Traffic lights will operate during these times.

The road will close to all traffic between 7pm on Tuesday, December 22 and Wednesday, December 30. There will be no access under the bridge at this time and two shuttle buses will be provided for pedestrians, one of which will have space for wheelchairs and bikes.

There will also be five overnight road closures on each Saturday in January 2021. Doncaster Road will close from 7pm on Saturday until 7am on Sunday morning each week.