The first train to depart from the brand new Apperley Bridge station was given the green light on Sunday 13th December 2015.
Work to complete the new Apperley Bridge station, which was successfully delivered by Spencer Group on behalf of Network Rail, forms part of the £7m West Yorkshire Rail Growth (WYRG) scheme, delivering two new stations on the Leeds-Bradford line.
As one of the UK’s leading multidisciplinary rail engineering companies, Spencer Group was awarded the contract to create: a new access road off Apperley Lane, a pick-up and drop-off point, a 300-space car park, two brand new platforms, ramp facilities throughout the station, CCTV surveillance, passenger information displays and a public address system and secure cycle parking and shelters.
Dave Taylor, project director at Spencer Group, said: “Our onsite team worked hard to ensure all works were completed to meet the specifications of the West Yorkshire Rail Growth scheme.
“The new station in Apperley Bridge will re-establish a vital transport link between Leeds and Bradford, which will be to the benefit of everyone.”
Apperley Bridge station offers ‘access for all’ – part of the government’s pledge to make rail transport equally accessible to all members of the public. It is a major programme to improve convenience at train stations nationwide by creating step-free access.
During the construction work, Spencer Group’s team at Apperley Bridge station was praised by Transport Secretary, Patrick McLoughlin, for their efforts on behalf of Network Rail to create the new West Yorkshire facility. The Transport Secretary expressed the importance of the new station in “helping to connect businesses and communities, create jobs and make it easier for people to get around.”
The original station in Apperley Bridge closed down more than 50 years ago. Its absence has been felt by residents and businesses alike. Many people believe that this also created an unfortunate disconnect between the neighbouring cities of Leeds and Bradford. In providing two services every hour between Bradford and Leeds, the brand new facility reopens a vital transport link that will help to reconnect the region.
WYRG was granted ‘Programme Entry Status’ by the Department for Transport (DfT) in December 2011. Spencer Group is also delivering the other vital element of the WYRG scheme at Kirkstall Forge, where the new station is due to be completed early in 2016.
The official opening ceremony for the new Apperley Bridge station took place five days after the first train arrived at the station – on Friday 18 December 2015.
