Network Rail recently announced a £1.9m scheme to replace the current foot crossing (Location ID 242490) at Horton-in-Ribblesdale Station with a modern footbridge (complete with lifts). The reasons given for this proposal include:
- increased accessibility (e.g. for passengers with mobility impairments);
- the increased usage of the footpath (which lies on the 'Three Peaks of Yorkshire' challenge route);
- the poor sight lines for both train drivers and pedestrians; and
- the proposed reinstatement of the rail connection for Horton Quarry.
The planning application (ref. NY/2022/0009/PAA) can be viewed at:
Planning consent for the footbridge was granted on 24/10/2022 and the next step is to progress the public right of way diversion order (which will allow the level crossing to be legally closed).
On 15th May 2023, we received the following update from Network Rail:
We are currently working through and finalising our delivery plan for the footbridge. The current plan is to construct the bridge sans lifts over winter 2023/24 with the stepped elements being completed by April 2024. For the absence of doubt this will leave the footpath crossing in situ until the lifts are installed and the crossing removed. We anticipate constructing the lifts in Autumn of 2024 and removing the crossing at the same time, assuming the public right of way diversion order is in place.
... The funding for the bridge construction and subsequent lift installation is from Network Rail and the Department for Transport's 'Access for All' scheme.
On 13th May 2024, Network Rail issued a news release with the following update:
Work is underway to make Horton-in-Ribblesdale station accessible for all.
...
The footbridge is expected to be completed July 2024, with work to install the lifts being completed in September 2024.A temporary crossing is in place at the north end of the station.