Latest update
Progress to date
July 2025 – April 2026: Design, planning and procurement
Planning permission was granted on 15 January 2026, with associated planning conditions subsequently discharged on 13 April 2026.
The construction contract was issued to SBC Contracts on 18 February 2026 and formally awarded on 17 March 2026.
February 2026: Advance works
Advance enabling works were undertaken, including the temporary relocation of the tenant at Huddersfield Yard B, additional site investigation works, and tree removal operations.
11 May 2026: Start of main works
Main construction works commenced, including site establishment, implementation of a pedestrian diversion route, and removal of the existing boardwalk and approach ramp. The existing bridge is scheduled for removal by crane in the following phase of works.
June 2026
Good progress has been made on site in recent weeks, including:
- The existing bridge has been successfully removed using a crane, and the associated abutments have now been demolished.
- The foul water diversion works on the south side have been completed, including the construction of four new chambers.
- On the north side, the abutment and adjacent footpath have also been demolished.
- The new bridge structure has been fabricated.
Works are currently paused on the north side while technical approval is awaited from Scottish Water for the proposed water main diversion. This diversion will be undertaken in two phases:
- Temporary phase - the pipe will be moved laterally to allow excavation works for the new abutment to proceed.
- Permanent phase - once construction is complete, the pipe will be relocated to align with the new footpath.
July 2026
Good progress was made on the construction of the new bridge, with work continuing on the southern bridge abutment. Works included installation of the blinding concrete and construction of the rebar for the first concrete pour.
Preparations also continued for the diversion of the existing Scottish Water main, including the necessary design development, approvals and procurement of specialist materials.
The bridge superstructure was delivered and is being safely store on site until the abutments are ready for the bridge installation.
August 2026
Works on the northern side of the site were temporarily paused while approvals for the Scottish Water diversion were finalised. During this period, Scottish Water and the project team worked together to develop and coordinate the diversion works. Construction activities continued where possible in other areas of the site including construction of the south abutment stem and works to complete on the south side of the bridge.
September 2026
Work began on the temporary diversion of the water main to allow bridge construction to progress. This involved installing a temporary above-ground section of pipe within a protective enclosure and constructing supporting infrastructure to ensure the continued safe operation of the water supply.
Unfortunately, the site also experienced several incidents of vandalism and unauthorised access, including damage to security fencing and the theft of a project camera. Additional security measures have since been put in place.
October 2026
The temporary water main diversion was successfully completed, allowing construction activities to recommence on the northern side of the site. The diversion was tested and commissioned in accordance with Scottish Water requirements.
The southern bridge abutment has now been completed and is ready to receive the new bridge structure. Excavation works have also commenced for the northern abutment.
With the completion of the diversion works, the project has regained momentum and the contractor is progressing the next phase of construction, including preparations for bridge installation.
Images of works as it progresses can be found on our Flickr site.
Pedestrian diversion
A signed pedestrian diversion route has been established and is currently in operation. Ramps are in place to maintain accessible access for all.