PLANS for a new £5m bridge in the town centre open up the possibility of improved rail services for Barnsley according to a report, and could bring the return of direct trains between Barnsley and London a step closer.
The new pedestrian bridge, designs for which were approved by the council’s cabinet last week, will see the permanent closure of the Jumble Lane level crossing. Network Rail is contributing £2m to the scheme on the grounds that it is one of the most dangerous level crossings in the UK and has seen a number of incidents in recent years, predominately red-light runners and pedestrians jumping the barriers.
But in addition, more trains will be able to travel the line without the logistical restriction of the crossing, and the bridge has had to be designed high enough to allow future potential electrification of the line.
A report to cabinet says: “The new bridge connection is important in the long term plans for expansion of capacity on the Sheffield to Leeds railway line.
“Facilitating the closure of the existing level crossing allows for increased capacity at Barnsley station. Barnsley's position on the corridor between Leeds and Sheffield puts it in a unique position in terms of public transport provision for future rail growth and opportunities arising from HS2 and this project will provide key facilitation works for this.”
Barnsley Central MP Dan Jarvis announced in December that he was in discussion with transport bosses about the possibility of bringing a direct rail service between Barnsley and London St Pancras.
A rail insider had informed him that often trains arriving in Sheffield from London have long delays, sometimes waiting in sidings near the station, before beginning their return journey allowing the possibility of London trains continuing to Barnsley.
One of the obstacles would have been whether there was capacity on the line between Sheffield and Barnsley - something the new pedestrian bridge may therefore help.
“This bridge is an important part of the proposed redevelopment of Barnsley town centre,” he said.
“It will improve access to the town centre and to Barnsley Interchange, as well as enabling increased rail capacity.
“I am hopeful that this brings us one step closer to increased connectivity between our nearby towns and cities, as well as direct trains between Barnsley and London, which I have been pushing for with the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive.
“For too long, there has been a stark inequality in transport spending between North and South. This project is just one of many improvements we need in our infrastructure here in South Yorkshire and places into sharp focus why we need a Sheffield City Region Mayor with credibility and clout to make the case nationally for increased investment in our area.”
Work on the new pedestrian bridge will have to commence soon, as the funding from Network Rail is dependent on being able to close the level crossing by March 2019. This is because major signalising changes coming into effect from April 2019 would mean significant upgrades to the level crossing would be required if it were to remain.
