City’s central bus station to remain shut for further three months

Bus passengers in and around Bradford will face months of extra disruption due to the ongoing closure of the city’s central bus station.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority says the Bradford Interchange bus station will remain closed for a further three months as more detailed surveys are undertaken “to determine the viability of its future.”

Initial survey work was undertaken in January and February after the bus station was closed for public safety reasons due to some pieces of concrete falling in its basement. However further, more extensive surveys are now required.

A spokesman for the West Yorkshire Combined Authority said: “Since the Interchange closed in January, initial surveys have been undertaken with a focus on the areas of concern identified.

“The feedback received was that while the surrounding structures were found to be generally in a fair condition, repair works will be required to address areas of defective concrete above the basement car park area, and to address significant issues of drainage and water ingress.

“Surveyors have recommended that further, more extensive surveys need to be carried out in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the condition of the Interchange and to inform the future management and operation of the structure.

“This work will progress over the coming weeks, however given the scale and the nature of the structure, completion of those surveys will be a significant undertaking.

“It is therefore anticipated that the Interchange will need to remain closed for at least a further three months to allow surveys to be completed, following which we will take a view on the future operation of the facility.

“In the meantime, work is also ongoing with Bradford Council officers to consider alternative locations for a temporary bus station.

“The safety of passengers, staff and the users of the Interchange remains our top priority. We recognise the continued inconvenience the closure causes and thank the public for their patience.”

In total, 1,200 buses per day have been moved from the Interchange to around 45 alternative bus stops within the city.

A temporary travel centre is now located in the Northern ticket office. The railway station is open as normal, with access via the ramp footpath on Bridge Street. Rail services are not affected.