Critical rail infrastructure to be protected from flooding

Construction is underway to protect a section of railway by Kirkstall Bridge, in Leeds, which has flooded in the past, most notably during the 2015 Boxing Day floods.

Part of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 2 (FAS2), the flood defence works on the railway side of the River Aire upstream of Kirkstall Bridge will comprise a flood defence solution stretching 1.4km using an earth embankment or steel sheet piled flood walls in some areas.

The embankment will tie into flood walls, also under construction, that will extend up to the existing Kirkstall Bridge.

The section of railway line connects Leeds with Shipley and Bradford and has flooded several times – it currently remains at risk.

Leeds City Council has been working with Network Rail to ensure the works here will provide a high level of protection and keep disruption on the busy line to an absolute minimum.

Alongside the embankment and flood walls, 2.4 hectares of landscape and ecological enhancements will be implemented in Kirkstall Meadows.

This work includes the creation of wetland scrapes and various interventions to support local wildlife. Existing sports pitches will be retained, and a new access ramp will be installed.

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for sustainable development and infrastructure, said: “Leeds FAS2 has been designed to protect the people of Leeds from damaging flooding. That includes our homes, our businesses, and our infrastructure.

“As the effects of climate change become more pronounced in the coming decades, it is important we work with our partners to ensure we build climate resilience across the region now.

“The works here showcase the great work that we have achieved in collaboration with Network Rail, delivering intricate solutions to build for the future without causing disruption.”

Mark Groom, asset protection scheme interface manager at Network Rail, said: “I’m really pleased that work will begin on the second phase of this scheme this month.

“This is vital to protect this section of railway line between Leeds and Shipley as it is particularly prone to flooding, ensuring it stays safe and reliable for years to come.

“We’ll continue to work with our partners at Leeds City Council to deliver this important project whilst making sure disruption to passengers is kept to a minimum.”

Gareth Farrier, regional director north at BAM Nuttall, added: “Key to providing enhanced flood risk protection to the people of Leeds, their homes and businesses is ensuring vital infrastructure can continue to operate safely.

“Creating a solution which blends traditional construction techniques with natural flood management and biodiversity enhancements allows us a real opportunity to leave behind richer, more attractive habitat whilst improving flood resilience on the busy Leeds to Bradford line.”