Plans for a new foot and cycle bridge in Barnsley approved

The new bridge, which will also act as a safe crossing point over the Sheffield to Huddersfield railway line, will connect the two green spaces and provide an ‘active travel’ route for residents in Dodworth and Pogmoor.

A report to Barnsley Council states the new bridge will ‘enhance’ the Dodworth Road and Broadway junction improvement scheme.

Construction is currently under way on a gyratory through Penny Pie Park, which will ease traffic congestion between the town centre and Junction 37 of the M1.

A number of benefits of the bridge's construction are laid out in a report to council cabinet members, including linking Dodworth and Pogmoor, providing a safe crossing point for youngsters travelling to Horizon Community College on Dodworth Road, and reducing the number of reports to Network Rail of children on the railway line.

Coun Sir Steve Houghton, council leader, told a council cabinet meeting: “This is really welcome and when we were consulted on the new road scheme, while not everyone was in favour of the scheme, one of the things that did come back significantly from everyone was getting a bridge across the railway for all kinds of reasons, not least of which we know some young people have been crossing that railway line without any safety measures to get towards the school.

“Hopefully it would deal with a number of concerns and issues around there.”

Coun Tim Cheetham, council cabinet spokesman for place (regeneration and culture) said: “This bridge will be a huge benefit to residents in both the Old Town and Dodworth wards and the wider local area.

“Once this bridge is complete those who previously used Penny Pie Park will have easy access to even more green space than they did before, and they will also find it easier to access business and other facilities like the hospital on foot, by bicycle or wheelchair.

“By linking the green spaces currently severed by the railway line, and by developing the remainder of Penny Pie Park with much improved play and recreation equipment, the end result will be a better park.”

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