Thursday 10 Dec 2009
PLANNING APPLICATION FOR NEW RAIL STATION SUBMITTED
- Region & Route:
Plans for a new railway station at Apperley Bridge have been submitted to Bradford council by Network Rail and Metro.
The station, which lies between Leeds and Shipley, is one element in a programme of investment by Metro to improve public transport throughout the area.
The submitted plans include two new platforms which would be linked by an existing bridge, access ramps, a 300-space car park and a new access road.
Metro's plans for, Apperley Bridge, a further new station at Kirkstall Forge and car park extensions elsewhere in West Yorkshire have been identified as a priority by the Regional Transport Board with an estimated total scheme cost of £16.74m.
“New stations and more park-and-ride facilities spaces will make the rail network more accessible and encourage more people to make business trips and commuter journeys by rail,” said Metro chairman Cllr Ryk Downes.
"Apperley Bridge will help reduce congestion on local roads by reducing commuter car journeys between Leeds, Shipley and Bradford.
"Electric trains like the class 333 trains that pass through the site at the moment will use the station, so there will be reduced CO2 emissions too, which is good for everyone."
Warrick Dent, area general manager for Network Rail, added: "This is an incredibly busy route and this new station is a vital part of our plans to continue to build a bigger and better railway in Yorkshire.“
Notes to editors
The plans include a turning circle for buses at the station forecourt, allowing for direct transfer between bus and rail services. Each platform will be fully accessible by ramp. Secure cycle storage and CCTV will also be provided.
A public exhibition of the plans was held on 15 and 16 May at Woodhouse Grove School, following a widespread letter drop to residents within a mile of the proposed station. More than 200 people attended the exhibition and 90% of comments were in favour of the scheme.
Subject to approval, the station could be opened in 2012.
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