HADRAG has responded to three consultations so far this year.
Halifax station gateway is moving toward the final stage of plans (see Halifax Railway Station | Calderdale Next Chapter) We have welcomed the latest iteration of this transformational scheme for a new concourse building, parking and drop-off area, and pedestrian bridge linking to town. And we are pleased to note that the scheme is now designed to allow from possible reinstatement of a third operational platform in the future. Platform 3 is not going to be used in the present scheme but it will be left undamaged for a possible use as the train service is increased. Our response the consultation held in February this year is here .
A DfT and rail industry task force on Manchester Rail Recovery (MRRTF) reported early this year (see Manchester Recovery Task Force: Public Consultation (publishing.service.gov.uk)). Whilst the wait continues for major infrastructure enhancement, the idea was to come up with a timetacle that could work reliably over the complex routes in Manchester, notably the Castlefield corridor shown on HADRAG’s map below:
Three options were put out to consultation. We were disappointed, but not surprised, that there was no proposal to provide the service from Bradford, Calderdale and Rochdale via the “Ordsall chord” to stations on the south side of Manchester city and the airport. Connectivity to Deansgate, Oxford Road and Piccadilly stations would open up a wide range of travel opportunities for work, education, heritage and the arts as well as onward connections. And it would better connect our area for visitors coming in. We ask for the link promised by the now defunct Northern franchise, and for other improvements to the service on the Calder Valley line. Our response is here.
Finally, we have responded to the West Yorkshire connectivity strategy and Rail Vision . Alongside a bold vision for a network of mass transit routes across the county there are plans to continue upgrading a rail lines. We are pleased that WYCA continues to support electrification as recommended by the Northern Sparks task force six years ago, putting the Calder Valley Line as number one scheme. Our response supports the mass transit proposals, where we comment on suggestions for Bradford-Halifax routes serving Queensbury, Ovenden and Calderdale hospital, with rail, interchanges and Halifax, Elland and Low Moor. On the rail vision we welcome plans for capacity upgrades and possibe new services over existing lines. We want a better timetable for the Calder Valley line, a fair deal for Sowerby Bridge, Elland and Brighouse, and new services, for example to York via Brighouse, Wakefield and Castleford.
Comments on the governments “Great British Railways” white paper to follow.
Halifax and District Rail Action Group 