Work begins on £3.2m upgrade of Victorian railway bridge

Work has started on strengthening a 132-year-old railway bridge in Leeds to maintain its safe and reliable use by trains and motorists.

The £3.2 million investment at Pepper Road bridge will be delivered over six months, with sections of the Victorian structure being removed and replaced.

Work is taking place during midweek days and weekend nights to minimise disruption to rail passengers.

The bridge will remain closed to road users until the project is completed – expected to be in late November 2026. A diversion route has been clearly signposted for motorists, and bus passengers are urged to check their journey details before travelling.

Pedestrian access will remain open at the bridge throughout the project.

The work will include engineers dismantling parts of the structure and installing new pre-cast sections to form the strengthened bridge deck. A new parapet, drainage and road surface will be installed, and waterproofing carried out.

The strengthened bridge will be able to continue carrying road traffic over the railway safely and will mean reduced maintenance costs.

George Drum, Network Rail infrastructure director, said:

“This investment will create a stronger, more resilient bridge, ensuring it remains safe and fit for purpose for decades to come.“It will support safer, more efficient and reliable rail journeys for both passengers and freight users, while also keeping the road safe for motorists and pedestrians.“We’re sorry to residents and motorists for any inconvenience caused during this work. Our teams will do everything they can to minimise disruption.”

The original bridge – built in about 1840 – was around half the size of the current structure. It was extended between 1888 and 1891 to create the four-arch bridge seen today.