Plans for a new accessible walking and cycling bridge linking Holgate with the York Central development have been lodged.
Network Rail’s plans would see the existing Victorian footbridge, which spans across railway tracks avoiding York station, between Wilton Rise with Cinder Lane, demolished and replaced with a new 4m-wide structure.
People would get on to the new bridge from Upper St Paul’s Terrace on the Holgate side; it will eventually feature step-free access via ramps.
The application stated the new bridge would offer significant improvements to the local community by replacing the currently inaccessible structure and is a vital piece of infrastructure for York Central.
It added any improvements to connections with Holgate Road would be done by York Central’s development partners and were not part of Network Rail’s plans for the bridge.
It follows public meetings in September by Network Rail, York Central developers Arlington Real Estate and McLaren Regeneration with Holgate residents and councillors to discuss the plans.
Arlington managing director Allan Cook said in September there were back-up plans to connect the new bridge to Holgate Road via Chancery Rise instead of Wilton Rise.
Wilton Rise is an unadopted road, meaning City of York Council is not responsible for maintaining it, and it is one of the city’s worst for pot holes.
Network Rail’s plans stated the Chancery Rise link option remained under consideration.
The application stated the two-span steel girder bridge would have ramps on either side with flat intervals and benches to provide resting places for users.
The bridge would not be segregated between pedestrians and cyclists and it would be linked to Upper St Paul’s Terrace by demolishing an existing wall.
Bollards are also set to be installed to stop vehicles from accessing the bridge.
A short-term temporary landing with steps on the Cinder Lane side will be in place once the new bridge opens and until the existing one is demolished.
Accessible links would then be added to that side of the bridge though the stairs would remain in place to provide alternative access.
Plans stated the new bridge would replace one which is currently inaccessible for people with mobility issues including wheelchair users and parents with children in prams.
It added it would also eventually improve access to York Station via the new Western Entrance.
The route currently lacks step-free access.
Network Rail have consulted with ward councillors, the York Access Forum and the city’s Civic Trust as part of the plans.
The application stated: “The proposed Wilton Rise Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge represents a vital piece of infrastructure that supports the delivery of the York Central masterplan.
“It replaces an outdated, inaccessible structure with a modern, inclusive, and sustainable connection between Holgate and the York Central development.”
