Bradford Interchange bus station closure: Latest update in March

WYCA said it is working through the findings of each initial survey and will provide an update in due course. 

The authority said it is “crucial” to get this right to “ensure public safety, limit disruption and protect taxpayers’ money.”

Why is Bradford Interchange bus station closed?

The Interchange’s bus station was closed on January 4 as a “precautionary measure” due to what WYCA described as damage “believed to be linked to the recent weather”.

It emerged towards the end of January that “a degree of concrete fall” led to the closure and this caused issues in the basement area of the city centre station.

This happened on December 22, leading to the closure of the car park and, just under two weeks later, the closure of the entire bus station.

Latest update for March

In the latest update shared on March 6, a spokesperson for West Yorkshire Combined Authority said: “Initial survey work is now complete. We are currently working through these and will provide an update once we have determined the next steps to be taken.

“It is crucial we get this right to ensure public safety, limit disruption and protect taxpayers’ money.”

The spokesperson added: “We continue to work closely with bus operators to minimise disruption for passengers.”

WYCA said a total of 1,200 buses per day have been moved from the Interchange to around 45 alternative bus stops within the city.

• A full list of alternative bus stops can be found here

The authority’s spokesperson added: “Over 100 signs are in place around the city to help passengers find where they need to go.

“Staff also undertake regular patrols to ensure any missing or damaged signage is replaced.

“Bus shelters are in place on Nelson Street and Bridge Street.”

Extra provisions have also been made for passengers, WYCA said. 

Safer Travel PCSOs have been deployed to bus shelters and bus stops in the city and are being supported by Bradford’s Neighbourhood Policing Team and other routine patrols.

Bus station travel centre staff are working from the rail ticket office, WYCA said, ready to assist with bus passes and information.

The spokesperson said: “Staff are offering advice and support to around 50 passengers per day, and are working to increase capacity so that more customers are able to buy MCard tickets from the ticket office. Metro branding is also being secured to increase awareness of the temporary travel centre.

“Combined Authority staff have been working with Bradford officers to try to improve accessibility for passengers in the streets around the Interchange. Work has also been ongoing with visual impairment organisations to review pedestrian routes to stops.”

What it means for trains to and from Bradford Interchange

The rail station is open as normal, with access via the ramp footpath on Bridge Street. Rail services are not affected by the closure.

We are working with Bradford Council and Network Rail to minimise disruption to transformation work that is happening in the city centre.