Unique cast iron bridge to be raised in rail electrification plan

The works are necessary as part of the huge Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), which is set to bring electrification to a key route through West Yorkshire.

In the latest step forward for the scheme, the Government has approved a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) granting permission for railway upgrades on the Leeds to Micklefield section of the route.

An overhead view of the historic Crawshaw Woods bridge (Image: Network Rail) To enable electrification – creating room for overhead wires - a number of bridges will be reconstructed or removed.

This work will include the raising of the Grade II listed cast iron Crawshaw Woods bridge, located near Shippen House Farm, in the Manston area of Leeds.

An artist's impression of how the raised Crawshaw bridge would look (Image: T&A) According to Historic England, the Crawshaw cast-iron overbridge was constructed by Stanningley Ironworks, and, together with a demolished bridge, was the first of its kind completed by the firm.

It was designed by renowned Scottish engineer James Walker.

In the First World War, the bridge was the main access bridge to the Barnbow Munitions Factory, which became the most productive British shell factory during that war.

A drawing from a planning document showing how the bridge's arch would be raised (Image: Network Rail) The bridge deck was renewed in 1943 by the London and North Eastern Railway, and again in 1999. The present deck is raised above the cast-iron spans and is structurally independent. It has solid steel parapets which stand inside the unaltered, original iron railings.

It forms part of the original Selby to Leeds Railway, constructed in the early 1830s and is in active use as a farm access over the Leeds to York mainline railway, being located between Cross Gates Station and Garforth Station.

How the raised arch would look, with the wires running underneath (Image: Network Rail) Network Rail, in a planning document applying for the Order, stated: “In order to achieve the benefits delivered by TRU, overhead line electrification (OLE) infrastructure is needed to power faster and more environmentally friendly electric trains.

"Crawshaw Woods Bridge is not of sufficient height to accommodate the operational minimum requirements for clearance distances between the trains and the OLE.”

The document considered several options, but favoured raising the arch.

The Transport Secretary’s decision to confirm the TWAO means project bosses can press ahead with plans for this section of the route, which also includes the replacement of five level crossings with safer alternatives.

How the bridge looks now (Image: Network Rail planning document) Temporary work compounds to help carry out these essential works can now also be built.

Adam Sellers, Senior Sponsor on TRU, said: “This is a huge success for TRU, bringing us a step closer to delivering faster, more frequent trains on a more reliable railway.

“The recent approval of this Transport and Works Act Order will enable us to complete major upgrades between Leeds and Micklefield, which will unlock a range of benefits for customers travelling across this stretch of railway and beyond.

“We would like to thank our rail industry partners for their support in getting this TWAO approval, and look forward to continuing to work with them on the next stages of work in this area.”