Engineers working on the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) have begun preparatory works on Crawshaw Woods Bridge, marking the start of a major renovation of the world’s oldest surviving cast-iron railway bridge still in use over an operational line.

Built between 1830 and 1834, the Grade II listed structure has stood for nearly two centuries, bearing witness to the reigns of eight monarchs and playing a key role in the region’s industrial and wartime history. It once overlooked steam trains arriving in Leeds at the height of the textile boom and served as a vital access point to the Barnbow Munitions Factory during the First World War.

The renovation marks the third in the bridge’s long history, following previous works in 1943 and 1999. This time, the cast-iron girders, deck, parapets, and original railings will be carefully dismantled and transported for off-site restoration. Once refurbished, the structure will be reinstated at a raised height of approximately 1.5 metres to accommodate new overhead line equipment (OLE), paving the way for electric trains as part of the multi-billion-pound TRU project.

Adam Sellers, Senior Sponsor for TRU, said: “Crawshaw Woods Bridge’s Grade II listed status, and status as the world’s oldest cast-iron bridge over a live railway, means great care has gone into its renovation, with its removal planned for October this year.

“Following our public consultation in 2022, where we took on feedback from the community, we’re excited that preparation work has now started on what will ultimately improve journeys through West Yorkshire and across the Pennines on cleaner, greener services.

“The reinstatement of the bridge is expected in spring next year, when a structure that has seen such history will stand firm for the next generation of rail travel.”

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