A new footbridge design, known as the Beacon, has opened at Garforth Station, West Yorkshire, enhancing commuter accessibility.
- The project began in May 2023, with the bridge deck installation completed by April 2024 and opening to the public in late July.
- Although open, the bridge’s passenger lifts will become operational later in the autumn, as part of the Access for All scheme.
- The Beacon design includes toughened glass panels for improved security and visibility, allowing users to see others on the bridge.
- The previous footbridge at Garforth, a Grade II listed structure, has been moved to the Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway in Kent.
The Beacon footbridge at Garforth Station represents a significant step forward in enhancing accessibility for commuters in West Yorkshire. Amco Giffen, the construction firm, embarked on this £6 million project in May 2023. By April 2024, the new bridge deck was successfully installed, culminating in its public opening in July. The project illustrates an ongoing commitment to improve passenger facilities and access.
While the footbridge is now in use, its passenger lifts, integral to the design under the government’s Access for All scheme, will be operational later in the autumn. This initiative underlines the commitment to ensure station accessibility for all passengers, reflecting a broader effort to modernise railway infrastructure.
The innovative Beacon design, attributed to Haskoll and Davies Maguire, stands out with its two distinctive lift shafts and use of toughened glass panels. These panels add a layer of security by allowing users to see others on the bridge, thus enhancing safety and user confidence. This design is part of a range included in Network Rail’s Footbridges & Subways Design Manual, which also features other concepts like the Ribbon and the Frame.
In a gesture that respects historical infrastructure, Garforth’s previous footbridge, classified as a Grade II listed structure, has been relocated to the Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway in Kent. This move ensures the preservation of historical railway architecture while making way for modern advancements.
Anna Weeks, the principal programme sponsor for Network Rail’s North and East route, expressed satisfaction with the project’s completion. Her statement recognised the completion of the first Beacon bridge as a milestone towards making Garforth station accessible, reiterating the commitment to facilitating travel for all passengers.
The introduction of the Beacon footbridge at Garforth Station marks a progressive step towards better accessibility and modernisation of railway facilities in the region.
