Work on improved routes for new Elland Rail Station getting under way
A new pedestrian and cycle bridge – crossing both the Calder and Hebble Navigation and the River Calder – will be built
Prep work is now under way on the £22.7 million access package for the new Elland Rail Station and main works will begin this month, says the contractor.
In Elland a new pedestrian and cycle bridge – crossing both the Calder and Hebble Navigation and the River Calder – will be constructed to provide direct connections between Park Road, Gas Works Lane, and Riverside Park.
Existing pedestrian routes and the canal towpath will be upgraded and a new children’s play area created, alongside a variety of landscaping works to improve the surrounding environment and public spaces.
And in West Vale, a second pedestrian and cycle bridge will be constructed to cross the River Calder, providing a new travel route between West Vale and Elland via the Calder and Hebble Navigation.
As well as this, a connection to the new bridge will be created from Stainland Road through a new access route parallel to the Black Brook.
The scheme – which was given the green light by planners in November 2024 – will create easier and safer connections between Elland town centre and wider areas and will support access to the planned new Elland Rail Station.
Earlier this year West Yorkshire Combined Authority leaders approved the investment pipeline for the long-awaited scheme.
Esh Construction was appointed by Calderdale Council in January 2025 to complete detailed designs for the project – working together with design partner Fairhurst – ahead of beginning the main works this month.
Steven Garrigan, who is Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said the company was pleased to be working in partnership with Calderdale Council to bring its knowledge and expertise in delivering high-quality public realm schemes to the Elland Access Package.
And it would deliver a number of other benefits. he said.
“Projects like this make a real difference to communities and are a catalyst for future growth and development.
“Throughout the scheme we are committed to making an impact locally by delivering a raft of social value initiatives.
“This will include providing work experience placements, apprenticeship and T-Level opportunities on site, donations, volunteering, and reinvesting money into the local economy through responsible procurement,” said Mr Garrigan.
Initial preparatory works on site include the installation of a crane pad and ground investigation works, and the installation of pile platforms to support piling works for the bridge piers and abutments.
Riverside Park will be used as a works area to facilitate the construction of the new bridge in Elland.
The project has received funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund and the UK Government’s Transforming Cities Fund.
In total, the Elland Rail Station scheme will cost around £70 million.