Tourism and events

Benefits of the bridge

The bridge is fully accessible with lifts at both ends. Cyclists can take their bikes into the lifts, or walk them up the steps using the cycle wheel groove. It also opens up more active travel routes into the town centre, the Metrodome and to Barnsley Football Club.

The improved connectivity will also benefit the planned youth zone and youth activity park next to the interchange, as well as The Seam nearby.

Background

The former Jumble Lane level crossing was closed as part of Network Rail’s Level Crossing Risk Reduction Programme. The aim of this work was to close level crossings where possible, to remove the risk to the national rail network. Network Rail has contributed £2 million to the bridge.

This funding would have allowed the construction of a basic, functional footbridge over the railway. However, the council decided to explore more funding opportunities and to include it as part of the wider town centre regeneration. This allowed the construction of a more ambitious design which compliments The Glass Works.

Investment

Market Gate Bridge represents a major investment backed by Network Rail and the South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority (SYMCA). It was vital that the new bridge is of as high a quality as The Glass Works.

The construction of the bridge alone cost just under £8 million. Associated costs including professional fees and legal costs, design work, landscaping, charges from Network Rail for access over their line, and unexpected gas diversion work, took the total bridge-related costs to £11.2 million.

A further £1.8 million has been invested as part of the wider project in other improvements around the bridge, including new paving and public realm works, improved street lighting, highway works, as well as a sewer diversion required in Market Gate Car Park. SYMCA contributed £8.9 million from the Accelerated South Yorkshire Renewal Fund, their Recycled local growth fund, their Get Britain Building and Transforming Cities Funds. In addition, Network Rail contributed £2 million.

Contractors

The bridge was designed by architects from IBI Group with structural engineering from Waterman Group. It was constructed by engineering specialist Keltbray.

Why did the old level crossing have to close?

The former Jumble Lane level crossing was closed as part of Network Rail’s Level Crossing Risk Reduction Programme. The aim of this work was to close level crossings where possible, to remove the risk to the national rail network. This programme was funded until March 2019 and the crossing had to be closed by this date to qualify for Network Rail’s investment of £2 million. This is why a temporary bridge was installed in 2019, so the level crossing could be closed before the funding deadline.

Why wasn’t this new bridge built sooner?

There was a delay to the start of this project due to several issues including sewer diversion work and the process of appointing a contractor. We identified a preferred contractor after a lengthy tender process. However, we identified some concerns about their financial viability when completing due diligence checks.

Our teams spent months negotiating with the contractor to build safeguards into the contract. This would have made sure the council and investments were protected if the firm ran into difficulties. After months of hard work, a position was agreed in July 2021 which protected the council and allowed work to begin.

This was finally signed by the contractor on 30 September 2021, but the firm fell into administration just four days later. It then took several months to novate the contract to an alternative contractor in Keltbray.

Construction off-site began in February 2022 and on-site work began in July 2022.

Where did the funding come from?

The majority of the funding has come from external sources. The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) contributed £8.9 million from the Accelerated South Yorkshire Renewal Fund and their Get Britain Building and Transforming Cities Funds.

In addition, Network Rail provided £2 million.

Is the bridge open 24 hours a day?

Yes. The bridge is open all day, all year round, and is well lit and covered by CCTV cameras.

Can I cycle over the bridge?

Cyclists can take their bikes into the lifts, or walk them up the steps using a cycle wheel groove built into the bridge.

Are the lifts accessible to all?

The lifts provide a level platform at both ends of the bridge for pedestrians and any users of pushchairs, wheelchairs and other mobility aids. This provides step-free access between the street level and the bridge deck, 24 hours a day.

Is the bridge deck suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues?

The bridge is designed with a slight camber, no steeper than 1:25, which would be comfortable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.

What provision is made for visually impaired people?

Tactile surfacing is used at both street-level and on the bridge deck upon approach to the steps, lifts, and cable housings. The handrails, walkways, steps and nosings are all of an appropriate contrasting colour to the bridge structure to aid those with visual impairment.