Contractor now chosen for new Apperley Bridgen railway station (From Wharfedale Observer)

Contractor now chosen for new Apperley Bridgen railway station

10:00am Friday 8th February 2013 in News

A planned railway station for Apperley Bridge has come a step closer after a preferred contractor was chosen.

The development is outlined in a report to the West Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority.

Some advance work is expected to be carried out at Apperley Bridge this month near the proposed junction. The detailed design could start early next year, subject to funding.

The report says: “On completion of detailed design and confirmation of tender price for construction, a Full Approval submission will be made to the Department for Transport.”

The new station is being planned by Metro in partnership with Network Rail and Northern Rail.

It will be located off Apperley Lane – the A658 - and is said to be ideally situated to serve the communities on the outskirts of Bradford, Apperley Bridge, Yeadon and Guiseley.

Metro says: “The proposed site has been chosen as it has the benefit of being adjacent to a relatively straight section of track with embankments wide enough to construct platforms and pedestrian access, existing railway signals do not have to be moved and there is land available within close proximity for a rail station car park.”

The proposed station will include a 300-space car park and a new access road off Apperley Lane.

Planning consent for the scheme was given nearly two years ago by Bradford Council.

It was given the financial go-ahead by the Government as part of a £5 billion injection to get the economy moving.

Chancellor George Osborne gave the green light to the Leeds Rail Growth programme, which also includes plans for a station at Kirkstall Forge, along with six other projects across the region.

It is anticipated the scheme will be given full approval this summer and that work will start soon after. The stations are expected to open by December 2014.