Ready for replacement
Probably one of the busiest rail bridges in Leeds is being given an HBPW makeover with an outcome that’s guaranteed to impress even the bluntest of Yorkshiremen…..like Geoffrey Boycott for instance!
The underbridge in question is at Headingley Station, one of the city’s main entry points to the hallowed cricket ground just a few hundred meters away. On match day it is almost certainly as busy as Kings Cross’ concourse!
Design engineer, Ross Hardy, said: “The underline bridge, which carries the railway over a road below, comprises wrought iron edge girders supporting a concrete deck with encased cross girders. However, following tests, it was deemed substandard and in need of remedial work.
Just meters from Hallowed ground!
“Network Rail has now charged HBPW with reconstructing the entire superstructure including the UP walkway and DN platform, which will give the new bridge a 120 year life. In this instance the track will be fastened directly to the new concrete deck as opposed to railway sleepers which are traditionally supported by ballast.
“Headingley Cricket Ground has been home to The Yorkshire County Cricket Club since 1890 so, hopefully, these upgrades at the local station should keep a few generations of fans flocking to the ground in complete safety,” added Ross.
The Headingley job is part of a package of Network Rail bridge assignments which are being carried out by Amco on behalf of Network Rail. The other four include Newhall Road Bridge, Sheffield, Hardwick Road Bridge, Pontefract, Embsay Bridge near Skipton in North Yorkshire – all underbridges – and the only overline bridge on St James Road, Gateshead.
The existing underbridge at Headingley