On-site work to construct £9m “landmark” Market Gate Bridge in Barnsley to begin – and car parking spaces will be “reduced”

The new bridge over the railway line will permanently replace the former Jumble Lane level crossing, which was closed to improve safety in the area.

It will be fully accessible with lifts at both ends, and cyclists will be able to take their bikes into the lifts, or walk them up the steps using the dedicated cyclist groove.

Contractor Keltbray is now ready to begin work on-site in the town centre and from July 7 onwards will be working to create site compounds at both ends of the bridge in Market Gate Car Park and in front of the Interchange.

The bridge is due to be completed by late summer 2023.

The current estimated cost of the project is £9.7m, almost £7m of which is from external investment, with Network Rail contributing £2m, and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority contributing a further £4.8m via their Get Britain Building and Transforming Cities funds.

Some trees will be removed during the early construction process, which BMBC say will be “replaced with new trees, shrubs and other planting once the bridge is complete”.

Market Gate Car Park will remain open throughout most of the construction period except for some limited closures when heavy equipment such as cranes and piling machines are needed on-site.

The number of spaces in the car park will be reduced during the works, and a small number of spaces will be closed permanently as they fall in the path of the bridge.

Cllr Robert Frost, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “We needed to close the old level crossing in the interests of safety, and I’m so excited to see this iconic landmark bridge added to the skyline of our fantastic town centre.

“Market Gate Bridge will be the first thing people see when arriving by bus or train, and I’m so pleased we’re going to have a bridge of the quality our town centre deserves.

“I’m sure easy access directly into our new Glass Works square will encourage even more people to access our vibrant town centre through active travel, whether on foot, by bike, wheelchair or scooter.”