FOOTBALL supporters heading to Oakwell on Sunday for the Reds’ Yorkshire derby against Leeds United have been advised about a series of road and car park closures.
The match, which kicks off at 12.30pm, is set to attract a large crown to the town and a raft of changes are in place.
Jumble Lane’s crossing was closed earlier this year by Network Rail because of safety reasons and a temporary bridge was put in place to allow pedestrians to safely cross over the railway line.
However, the bridge will close at 11.30am on Sunday and reopen at 4pm - a move bosses say is for the safety of fans and other users.
Alternative walking route to and from Oakwell have been advised as a result on Kendray Street, Mayday Green, Cheapside, Wesley Street, Lambra Road, Pontefract Road and Grove Street, while there will be no access for supporters via the Alhambra Centre.
Leeds United fans will be directed from Barnsley Interchange along Schwabisch Gmund Way, along Pontefract Road and then Queen’s Road to and from Oakwell.
Leeds fans travelling by car should access the Queen’s Ground away car park via Harborough Hill and Queen’s Street rather than Pontefract Road and Grove Street.
Following the game, home supporters are asked to leave along Pontefract Road while away fans should go from Queen’s Ground.
A spokesman said: “Extra carriages will be added to trains for away fans travelling from Barnsley back to Leeds, however there may be delays in accessing trains and fans should expect to have to queue and consider the weather forecast.
“All fans are reminded that Barnsley Interchange bridge will be closed from 11.30am to 12.30pm and from 2pm until 4pm, except for those with access needs.
“Access to and from the bus station side of the interchange will be via Eldon Street, access to the interchange from Schwabisch Gmund Way will be for access to the railway station only.
“The existing temporary accessible route via Schwabisch Gmund Way and the transport interchange is available for those with access needs.”
Home fans usually travelling by train have been encouraged to take alternative transport into the town centre as the interchange will be heavily congested with away supporters and delays in accessing the railway station should be anticipated.
Market Gate car park will also be closed, Grove Street and Belgrave Road will both be closed to vehicles from 9:30am, as will side streets around Oakwell.
Parts of Eldon Street North, Schwabisch Gmund Way, Huddersfield Road, Church Street, Regent Street and Pontefract Road will be closed from 1.30pm and will reopen as soon as operational needs allow.
- Schwabisch Gmund Way will be closed from 1.30pm. Associated side-streets will be affected by this closure. The road will be re-open as soon as operational needs allow.
- Harborough Hill - Northbound off and Southbound off exit slip roads will be closed.
Bus services will also be diverted during this time: inbound via Harborough Hill Road, Old Mill Lane, Church Street and Regent Street, outbound via Eldon Street, Market Hill, St Mary’s Gate, Old Mill Lane and Sheffield Road.
“Wheelchair users or supporters with pushchairs are advised to use the pavement/footway on the Courthouse side of Eldon Street during peak times to avoid congestion,” the spokesman added.
“Staff wearing high-visibility vests will be in place for the game and supporters are advised to speak to staff for directions to and from Oakwell.
“Barnsley Council, Barnsley FC and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank fans for their patience.”
