Case study: Castleford to Wakefield Greenway Project

Background:-
West Yorkshire’s Castleford to Wakefield Greenway project is delivering a fully surfaced cycle path alongside the River Calder, that will eventually enable cyclists to safely transit between the two towns courtesy of a 16km route. As part of the scheme, which was partly supported by Wakefield Council and the walk / cycle charity Sustrans, Phase 2 saw the construction of a new single span bridge over the railway, nearly 40 years on from when the old bridge was demolished.

Challenge
The cycleway runs along the trackbed of the disused Methley to Pontefract railway line which was closed in 1981. The original bridge deck which carried one line over the other, was removed three years later leaving the stone abutments in place. The challenge was to leave them in situ without actually utilising them in the new design.

Solution
The new 35m steel bridge is now supported on reinforced concrete bankseats with no reliance on the existing abutments.

Outcome
The new bridge, which has a minimum working life of at least 120 years, along with links to the Greenway, will enable thousands more local people to access a peaceful, traffic-free path for journeys to work, school or for leisure. A great example of how old railway infrastructure can be repurposed as a healthy ‘active travel’ route which also helps reduce traffic congestion and air pollution