Work on three Bradford rail projects shows no sign of starting soon

Last year, the then-Tory Government announced that Bradford would receive more than £2 billion to develop a new railway station - and a new line to deliver a faster, 30-minute journey from Bradford to Manchester via Huddersfield.

There was also an announcement under the previous Conservative Government that the line between Bradford Interchange and Leeds would be electrified, reducing journey times between the cities to as low as 12 minutes.

The Telegraph & Argus asked various different authorities about the status of these three planned projects - but no significant updates on the schemes were provided.

West Yorkshire's Mayor said West Yorkshire Combined Authority would continue to make the case for a new railway station in Bradford ahead of the Chancellor’s next Spending Review in spring of next year.

The T&A understands from the Department for Transport that funding for development work on a new line to deliver a faster, 30-minute journey from Bradford to Manchester via Huddersfield is "being considered".

A diesel multiple unit departing Bradford Interchange (Image: T&A) Meanwhile, Network Rail said electrification of the line between Bradford Interchange and Leeds was "in its very early stages".

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: "We have ambitious plans to create growth here in West Yorkshire and better transport connections are a fundamental part of that.

"There is consensus among leaders in the north that a new railway station in Bradford will play a critical role in boosting the economy, and we'll continue to make that case ahead of the Spending Review next spring. "After a decade of dither and delay, I have confidence that the Chancellor will invest strategically in our region so that we can finally build a modern, integrated transport network to deliver on the growth mission and improve services for passengers."

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "The Government is committed to improving rail connectivity across the north to boost growth and opportunity."

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "We're always looking at future ways we can encourage more people to travel by train as part of a long-term vision with the Government to improve rail connectivity across the north.

"Modernising the railway to enable electric trains to run is an option which is being considered between Leeds and Bradford.

"Such schemes take many years to plan and deliver and this particular project is in its very early stages."

When plans for a new line between Bradford and Huddersfield were announced last year, it sparked a lively debate as to what route it might take.

Some rail enthusiasts speculated that the long-closed Pickle Bridge branch line, which went through Bailiff Bridge and close to Wellholme Park in Brighouse, could form part of the solution.

The route demise started when subsidence at Wyke Viaduct led to speed restrictions and all passenger services being diverted off the branch line. It closed completely in 1952.

Commenting on the RailUKforums, one observer said of the proposed new line: "It is supposed to give a time between Huddersfield and Bradford of 12 minutes. That implies a pretty direct route which whilst wishing to avoid speculation might involve either reinstating Pickle Bridge route or even a new route.
"Assuming the whole route was electrified between Huddersfield, Bradford and Leeds, then that would offer an electrified diversionary Transpennine Express routing?"

But another forum user replied: "The Pickle Bridge route would not be suitable. It has three very tight curves which would probably be limited to 30mph, and connects into low-speed lines. Judging by the current journey via Greetland Junction, you'd be looking at a 25 minute journey. Getting from Huddersfield to Bradford in 12 minutes would require an average end-to-end speed of 60mph, so you'd need a minimum 90-100mph alignment i.e. a new build."
Another commenter said: "The Pickle Bridge line closed because of mining subsidence - I guess any new line would be up the Spen Valley, possibly putting Cleckheaton and Liversedge back on the rail map. No idea of how much of the L & Y line formation remains however.

"Interestingly, the Midland Railway proposed a new line up the valley as part of its 'Bradford New Line' just before WW1, with a long tunnel to reach Bradford Market St. (Forster Sq.)."

Matt Edwards, leader of the Greens on Bradford Council, says Bradford "has been left behind for decades" and has questioned whether a new through station for the city will be delivered.

He told the T&A: "Bradford desperately needs investment in our rail infrastructure. Our city has been left behind for decades and we need a Government to actually deliver on what they promise. 

"But much of what Rachel Reeves promised in her budget for Bradford and West Yorkshire  - like the new platform at Foster Square and the Transpennine Route Upgrade - was just a reannouncement of projects that have already started.

"In fact, in the first Labour Budget,  there was not a single announcement of new rail investment - less than the last Conservative Budget which cancelled HS2."

"I really don't share the Mayor's optimism that the new Labour government are going to deliver a new through station for Bradford but I would be happy to be proven wrong on that."