Milestone reached on Yorkshire bridge scheme

Work to improve walking and cycling routes in West Yorkshire has reached a “major milestone”.

Bowburn-based Esh Construction has completed piling works on the Elland Access Package, which will deliver new pedestrian and cycle bridges in Elland and West Vale.

The contractor is delivering the scheme on behalf of Calderdale Council, with work beginning earlier this year following planning approval in November 2024.

Over 15 days, three piling rigs installed an average of eight concrete piles daily, reaching depths of up to 19 metres.

The operation included lifting a compact piling rig across the River Calder using a 300-tonne crane to reach challenging locations.

With the piling complete, excavation and reinforced concrete foundation works have progressed to support construction of the new bridges.

In Elland, a new crossing over the Calder and Hebble Navigation and River Calder will connect Park Road, Gas Works Lane and Riverside Park.

Existing footpaths and the canal towpath will also be upgraded, alongside landscaping improvements and a new children's play area.

A second bridge in West Vale will provide improved connections towards Elland, supported by a new access route from Stainland Road.

Paul Allen, contract manager at Esh Construction, said: “Completing this major milestone on site is a testament to the team and their civil engineering capabilities in delivering high-quality challenging projects.

“This scheme will make a real difference to the local community, and we are pleased to be playing our part in creating a catalyst for change in the area.”

Procured through YORhub’s YORcivil3 framework, the scheme is funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund.

Councillor Darren Commons, cabinet member for highways and transport at Calderdale Council, added: “The works in Elland and West Vale will create and improve routes to access the planned new station and travel between surrounding communities.

“As work progresses, we’ll be able to see how the improvements will make it easier to get around, creating new pleasant routes to link with existing infrastructure and ultimately supporting connections across the region.”

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