Closed by Beeching in 1965, Apperley Bridge station has reopened on the Leeds-Bradford line.
Two former stations – Apperley Bridge and Kirkstall Forge – are being reopened on the route as part of the £16.9 million West Yorkshire Rail Growth (WYRG) scheme.
Apperley Bridge is the first new station to open in West Yorkshire in 10 years and reinstates a vital transport link between Leeds and Bradford, according to Dave Taylor, project director at contractor Spencer Group.
Spencer Group, which has been responsible for, among other things, the construction of a new 297-space car park, two new platforms and the communication systems, is also delivering the works at Kirkstall Forge. The new station is approximately five miles east of Apperley Bridge and is due to open in early 2016.
Says Mark Tarry, route managing director for Network Rail, of Apperley Bridge ‘We know how important this station is to the local community in order to improve access to jobs and education as well as travel for leisure. We are pleased services will soon be able to call at the station.’
Dave Taylor 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.’
The first train left Apperley Bridge on 13 December and an official opening ceremony was held on 18 December. A further project is underway to build a new station at Low Moor, three miles south west of Bradford city centre, and proposals are being considered for interchanges at East Leeds, Elland, Haxby and Crosshills; these four were shortlisted from 62 potential sites. Low Moor is on the Calder Valley Line between Bradford Interchange and Halifax.
