New Bridge Promotes Pedal Power In Castleford

Cyclists in West Yorkshire have been given a major boost with the opening of a new bridge over the Normanton to Castleford railway line.

The 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.

And, as part of the scheme, which is being partly supported by Wakefield Council and the walk / cycle charity Sustrans, Phase 2 has seen the construction of a new single span bridge over the railway, nearly 40 years on from when the old bridge was demolished.

Partner, Jon Livesey, takes up the story. “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. 

“However, whilst still in situ, these have not been utilised in the latest design meaning that the new 35m steel bridge is now supported on reinforced concrete bankseats with no reliance on the existing abutments,” said Jon.

The new structure has been designed with a minimum working life of at least 120 years.

The Castleford Greenway scheme is part of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s £60m CityConnect programme whose aim is to get more people travelling by foot or bicycle.

The first section of the new Castleford to Wakefield Greenway, a 2km stretch between Fairies Hill Lock and Methley Bridge in Castleford, opened almost 18 months ago. 

Mike Babbitt, Head of Sustrans’ Network Development, said: “We’re very excited to be working with CityConnect and Wakefield Council on this new phase of the Castleford Greenway. The new bridge and links to the Greenway will allow thousands more local people to access a peaceful, traffic-free path for journeys to work, school or for leisure.

“It’s 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. Castleford Greenway will be an important ‘breathing space’ for local people and a haven for wildlife. It is part of a developing local cycle network and Sustrans National Cycle Network.”