Leeds Bradford Airport rail line branded ‘unachievable’

EXPERTS have concluded it will not be possible to build a traditional railway line to Leeds Bradford Airport – and a tram-train system could cost £360m.

The conclusions will come as a disappointment for business in Yorkshire that have called for improved transport links to the region’s largest airport.

A study into options to boost transport connectivity to Leeds Bradford found a heavy rail link would be too costly due to the topographic challenges of the area.

While heavy rail was deemed undeliverable by consultants, Tram-Train or light railway was deemed to be a better option. However, it could still cost up to £360m to build and there are concerns it would not be possible to extend either fixed-line system from the airport to Bradford.

An improved bus service operating on a new link road system would cost “considerably less” – however, members of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee noted that passengers would see bus services as a less attractive option.

The study’s conclusions will be incorporated into a wider Leeds City Region Metro study that will define a future network to drive economic growth in the region.