Bradford Interchange Bus Station closed until further notice

[Andyh82]

Since start of service on Friday 5th January, Bradford Interchange bus station has been closed

This is due to ‘damage thought to be caused by recent severe weather’

The railway station is unaffected but is only accessible from the outside footpath, the entire lower concourse where the shops are is also closed and out of bounds

Buses are using their next/previous stop in the city centre, mostly on Market Street and Sunbridge Road that they would usually use on their way to/from the Interchange, which is causing congestion, except for services that don’t serve the city centre which are using Nelson Street N1 and Hall Ings H11 near the back entrance. A city centre car park has also been taken over to use for bus layover.

https://www.wymetro.com/plan-a-journey/travel-news/bus-travel-alerts/bradfordinterchangeclosed/

The initial advice we have received has confirmed that a potential risk to public safety remains, so the bus station will remain closed for at least two months to ensure these issues can be assessed.

We are working to install more temporary bus shelter facilities at locations around the city to provide improved waiting facilities, including real time screens for next bus departures.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority are being pretty tight-lipped about what the problem is, and how long it will take to fix, just quoting the same statement that it is closed each time they are asked

Bosses refuse to comment on speculation over Bradford Interchange bus station closure

Bosses at Yorkshire Combined Authority are refusing to be drawn on speculation over the roof at Bradford Interchange's bus station.

www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk

As reported yesterday, the Telegraph & Argus has been contacted by a number of residents wanting to know exactly what damage has been caused to the bus station at Bradford Interchange and, at this stage, how long officials expect it to be closed.

A number of people have also asked why this information has not yet been released nearly a week after it was shut.

The Telegraph & Argus put these points to WYCA yesterday and asked for answers - but a WYCA spokesperson reiterated a statement similar to the one issued today.

The bus station carriageway has recently been undertaking a very lengthy resurfacing project, with various entrances and stands closed off for months at a time. National Express coaches had been evicted out onto Nelson Street throughout most of 2023 and therefore remain so.

 

[Statto]

Why the need for secrecy, if the Authority were more honest, & if it is down to part of the roof collapsing, then people would understand the issues?

 

[Megafuss]

Maybe they think they know but don't actually know, hence why specialists are coming in.

One of the articles above states that clearly

"We will know more once the survey work has been fully completed and will not be commenting further on speculation until we know the facts."

I assume once an assessment is carried out, then it will be public.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

The railway station is unaffected but is only accessible from the outside footpath, the entire lower concourse where the shops are is also closed and out of bounds

How many shops are affected by this?

 

[Bantamzen]

There are a couple of rumours flying around about this, one that part of the glass roof over the bus stands is unstable / partially collapsed, the other that the concrete floor over the old bus garage has been damaged. Either way it is nothing short of stupid for WYCA / Bradford Council not to be a bit more clear in what the issue is. However what I can say is that the design was flawed from the outset, all to often the roof has leaked and on occasions water has been literally flowing down the stairs from the stands to the concourse below. Leeds bus station, not dissimilar in design seems to have similar problems with leaks, although being on one level doesn't have the Interchange's unique waterfalls.

This issue would not have been so bad were it not for the fact that quite a few of Bradford's city centre roads are undergoing roadworks to facilitate more pedestrian zones and new flows for buses, as well as the NCP car park demolition to create a new entrance to the Interchange, meaning that stopping space in the centre is at a premium.

How many shops are affected by this?

Three, a Greggs, WH Smith and a Java Joe coffee shop.

 

[Andyh82]

How many shops are affected by this?

Answered above but I also should mention the toilets are inaccessible as well.

 

[thejuggler]

There's also a travel centre and a bingo hall (not sure if that is still operating) and its the easiest way to access the Santander office located in what was once the other half of the bus station.

The bus stands and decks appear to be at ground level, except underneath the whole of the bus station is a basement which was the original bus depot and maintenance garage. This area is now used as a car park.

The main bus deck is therefore a huge concrete slab over the basement. In October 2022 an 18 month project began to repair the carriageways, including waterproofing and resurfacing.

Occams razor theory suggests these repair works have revealed a bigger problem, which on 50+year old concrete isn't unexpected. The NCP car park mentioned above has had 2-3 levels closed for years because of spalling concrete, it's why its being demolished.

 

[TUC]

Someone should submit a Freedom of Information request.

 

[D6130]

I wonder whether it's an RAAC issue?

 

[Andyh82]

WYCA have released a statement saying that the Bus station is to remain closed for “several weeks” at least


www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/all-news-and-blogs/statement-on-closure-of-bradford-interchange-bus-station/

A West Yorkshire Combined Authority spokesperson said: “As the organisation responsible, we took the decision to close Bradford Interchange bus station last week after some damage was discovered.

“Contractors today began work onsite to establish the extent of the damage and what remedial works are required before it can be safely reopened. It is anticipated that these surveys could take several weeks to complete and the bus station will remain closed throughout this period.

“We are developing plans for a temporary bus station solution to limit disruption for passengers, operators and the city centre during this time. Bradford Council is supporting us with this to help minimise disruption to transformation work that is happening in the city centre.

“We have taken this precautionary measure because public safety is our top priority and we want to thank passengers and bus operators for their understanding.”

 

[syorksdeano]

There's also a travel centre and a bingo hall (not sure if that is still operating) and its the easiest way to access the Santander office located in what was once the other half of the bus station.

The bingo hall closed sometime ago, ironically because of flooding and damage to the ceiling. and hasn't reopened.

It has been well known for years now that the Interchange was in a bad state of repair and possible issues with the foundations because of water damage.

Let's not forget the interchange previously was fully rooted so the former bus garage and bingo hall didn't have any problems with flooding.

Wouldn't surprise me if the survey report says that it needs pulling down.

Also note that the only part of the interchange that doesn't have issues with the roof etc is the train station area, which is actually part of the former interchange where no changes were made.

 

[Leeds1970]

The glass roof bar leaking where the seals are expired is structurally sound and has not fully or partly collapsed. It is not RAAC. A clue is in comments made by @Bantamzen : water has been literally flowing down the stairs from the stands to the concourse below. Leeds bus station, not dissimilar in design seems to have similar problems with leaks, although being on one level doesn't have the Interchange's unique waterfalls.

 

[Baxenden Bank]

There are a couple of rumours flying around about this, one that part of the glass roof over the bus stands is unstable / partially collapsed, the other that the concrete floor over the old bus garage has been damaged. Either way it is nothing short of stupid for WYCA / Bradford Council not to be a bit more clear in what the issue is. However what I can say is that the design was flawed from the outset, all to often the roof has leaked and on occasions water has been literally flowing down the stairs from the stands to the concourse below. Leeds bus station, not dissimilar in design seems to have similar problems with leaks, although being on one level doesn't have the Interchange's unique waterfalls.

This issue would not have been so bad were it not for the fact that quite a few of Bradford's city centre roads are undergoing roadworks to facilitate more pedestrian zones and new flows for buses, as well as the NCP car park demolition to create a new entrance to the Interchange, meaning that stopping space in the centre is at a premium.


Three, a Greggs, WH Smith and a Java Joe coffee shop.

Ah, could they become as famous as the Ingleton Waterfalls?

Also note that the only part of the interchange that doesn't have issues with the roof etc is the train station area, which is actually part of the former interchange where no changes were made.

Some of us remember the previous 'new' interchange!

 

[Andyh82]

The glass roof bar leaking where the seals are expired is structurally sound and has not fully or partly collapsed. It is not RAAC. A clue is in comments made by @Bantamzen : water has been literally flowing down the stairs from the stands to the concourse below. Leeds bus station, not dissimilar in design seems to have similar problems with leaks, although being on one level doesn't have the Interchange's unique waterfalls.

I when you say ‘water has been flowing down the stairs’ , water coming from where?

I can’t see them closing the entire site for weeks when they could just put some buckets down

I personally think it’s nothing to do with the 2000s building, it’s more likely to be an issue with the 1970s building

As previously pointed out when the Interchange was built the bus carriageway was not open to the elements as there was an overall roof. It was probably never designed to be out in the open

 

[M60lad]

Their also saying there is plans for a temporary bus station, as the current situation isn't ideal, any ideas where the temporary Bus Station will/could be located?

As already has been said what with the current roadworks in/around Bradford City Centre the closure of the Bus Station is far from ideal situation.

 

[Man of Kent]

Their also saying there is plans for a temporary bus station, as the current situation isn't ideal, any ideas where the temporary Bus Station will/could be located?

As already has been said what with the current roadworks in/around Bradford City Centre the closure of the Bus Station is far from ideal situation.

BradfordMDC's twitter/X states that Jacobs Well car park has been closed to assist WYCA. I think I read somewhere else it is being used for layover, but perhaps it will become a temporary bus station if the closure persists.

 

[Bantamzen]

I when you say ‘water has been flowing down the stairs’ , water coming from where?

I can’t see them closing the entire site for weeks when they could just put some buckets down

I personally think it’s nothing to do with the 2000s building, it’s more likely to be an issue with the 1970s building

As previously pointed out when the Interchange was built the bus carriageway was not open to the elements as there was an overall roof. It was probably never designed to be out in the open

The 70s construction may well be damaged as well, but that has nothing to do with water leaking through the the 2000s roof, which has been a problem since, well the 2000s.

 

[syorksdeano]

The 70s construction may well be damaged as well, but that has nothing to do with water leaking through the the 2000s roof, which has been a problem since, well the 2000s.

It's safe to say the 70's construction is damaged. If water is pouring in the bingo hall and former garage through the roof, well on top of that is the station and carriageway.

It's only just been resurfaced as well, which makes me wonder if further damage was caused then, or issues were picked up then but contractors were told just to carry on.

Either way it's a mess that needs resolving, and the fact noone is giving any information out is strange.

Amazing that these issues are picked up now when the car park is due to be pulled down starting at the end of the month. The skeptic in me says that the Interchange will get pulled down as well citing it will cost less to rebuild than repair.

But with Hinchcliffe in charge, she probably sold it for some magic beans.

 

[357]

Looks like it's going to be a while. The council are moving ticket machines for M cards and are just saying closed "until further notice".

Bradford Interchange bosses apologise to bus passengers after complaint amid closure

BOSSES at West Yorkshire Combined Authority have apologised to passengers who have been unable to top up their travel cards amid the closure of the…

www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk

 

[Leeds1970]

Nelson street car park is being used for drop off only and also a waiting point to prevent the Jacobs well stop being overwhelmed. it is also a layover for buses and coaches to to ease pressure on Nelson street itself.

 

[Bantamzen]

Saw a photo of the Interchange on social media (sorry, I'm unable to share it) showing work ongoing on the glass panels at the concourse / stairwell end of the bus station. So clearly this is where the crux of the problem is, although the WYCA (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) continues to be tight-lipped about the extent of the damage, if there are any issues with the underlying 1970s construction, and of course any kind of ETA on the length of the works.

 

[Andyh82]

Saw a photo of the Interchange on social media (sorry, I'm unable to share it) showing work ongoing on the glass panels at the concourse / stairwell end of the bus station. So clearly this is where the crux of the problem is, although the WYCA continue to be tight-lipped about the extent of the damage, if there are any issues with the underlying 1970s construction, and of course any kind of ETA on the length of the works.

That might be one fault but I doubt it’s the main fault as otherwise why would Greggs, WHSmiths and the toilets be closed

Of course with the rail station remaining open this all means there are no facilities for rail users at the moment, unless there is some sort of coffee cart on the platform

 

[Bantamzen]

That might be one fault but I doubt it’s the main fault as otherwise why would Greggs, WHSmiths and the toilets be closed

Of course with the rail station remaining open this all means there are no facilities for rail users at the moment, unless there is some sort of coffee cart on the platform

Given how close to the stairs and the concourse the work is, there are probably workers in that area too.

 

[Andyh82]

Bus Station closure ‘fiasco’ continues

Bradford Interchange passengers on 'fiasco' of bus station closure

Bradford's main bus station has been shut since January 4 with a date for reopening still unknown.

www.bbc.co.uk

The closure of Bradford Interchange bus station has brought fresh problems for travellers at a time when the borough's transport bosses are trying to build an infrastructure worthy of the 2025 City of Culture title.

The city's main bus station is shut until further notice after it was forced to close suddenly earlier this month when structural damage caused by bad weather was discovered.

It's the latest headache for Bradford's commuters and transport planners, with parts of the city centre already gridlocked on a daily basis as 18 months of work on several key regeneration projects continues.

The BBC spoke to people waiting at a makeshift bus stop at the Jacob's Well car park about the city's transport issues - and what they want the authorities to do about them.

As also included in the article, a Bradford councillor (obviously not one from the ruling party, but a Green Party one) has written to WYCA (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) and the Mayor demanding to know more information that the vague statement they keep putting out

 

[NorthernSpirit]

I wonder whether it's an RAAC issue?

I'm putting it down to two things:

- concrete cancer
- life expired concrete

The internal metal supports (which we can't see) will have more than likely rusted to such a point, its partially that which has also caused the issue after the concrete has been exposed to the elements for the best part of around 25 years. Shame that the overall glass roof was removed in the latter part of the 1990's when the Interchange was rebuilt in its current guise.

If it does come to the point where the interchange yet again needs to be bulldozered to the ground, then the Greggs / WHSmith and former Travel Centre should be retained as the main level with the rest of the building being brought down to the same level and the former depot below backfilled before building a curved fronted drive in reverse out building.

 

[thejuggler]

That might be one fault but I doubt it’s the main fault as otherwise why would Greggs, WHSmiths and the toilets be closed

Of course with the rail station remaining open this all means there are no facilities for rail users at the moment, unless there is some sort of coffee cart on the platform

There used to be a coffee cart after the gateline at the end of the platforms, but Covid saw it off.

 

[Leeds1970]

the BBC interviewees are full of crap there's loads of staff on site and at Jacobs well offering help.
The departure times haven't been adjusted either

 

[Andyh82]

Bus station will remain closed for at least another two months

Latest Statement regarding Bradford Interchange bus station

Statement from Simon Warburton, Executive Director of Transport at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk

LATEST STATEMENT REGARDING BRADFORD INTERCHANGE BUS STATION

Simon Warburton, Executive Director of Transport at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, said:
“Following the closure of Bradford Interchange bus station, contractors were brought in to survey the condition of the building and assess damage.

“The initial advice we have received has confirmed that a potential risk to public safety remains, so the bus station will remain closed for at least two months to ensure these issues can be assessed.

“We are working to install more temporary bus shelter facilities at locations around the city to provide improved waiting facilities, including real time screens for next bus departures.

“We are sorry for any disruption caused by the closure but want to assure people that public safety is our top priority, and the bus station will not be opened until we can do so safely.

“We remain committed to ensuring that the wider city centre improvement works are on track for Bradford City of Culture 2025.”

 

[Baxenden Bank]

Bus station will remain closed for at least another two months

Latest Statement regarding Bradford Interchange bus station

Statement from Simon Warburton, Executive Director of Transport at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk

Somewhat lacking in transparency.

Go on, give people a hint. Roof, windows, snakes on a plane train?

 

[yorksrob]

Should have kept the old Exchange station.