A public consultation has opened into a new transport interchange at Melton about seven miles from Hull in East Yorkshire.

The proposed new interchange will be built at Melton on the railway line from Hull to Leeds/Doncaster between the stations at Brough and Ferriby.

It will be created through a partnership between East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Hull & East Yorkshire (HEY) LEP, Network Rail, National Highways, and Wykeland Group.

At peak times, both Ferriby and Brough railway stations suffer significant problems accommodating the large number of passengers.

Poor road connections make them difficult to access, while the proposed ‘Melton Interchange’ will have direct access from the A63.

Platforms at the new station will be approximately 130 metres long, which is enough to accommodate five-car trains, but will have provision for a 130-metre eastward extension to allow its use by ten-car trains in the future.

A 497-space car park on the north side of the interchange will also have 15 disabled spaces, 18 EV charging spaces, 16 car share spaces with passive EV charging provision, and seven motorcycle parking spaces.

There will also be a six-bay taxi rank, car drop-off and pick-up provision, cycle parking in a covered, secure, and convenient location near the station entrance, and active travel links to local population centres.

A bus interchange with two bus stops will accommodate both scheduled and potential shuttle bus services to/from local businesses, and rail-replacement services when running.

Pedestrian and cycle access will be via a proposed access road to Brickyard Lane, and an existing footpath east of the station.

The new station will provide step-free access through an enclosed footbridge with lifts connecting the two platforms.

Although at an early stage, the project is considered as offering high value for money. With the increased potential for funding from the now-cancelled northern leg of HS2, the partners have decided to progress the project to an ‘investment ready’ stage to ensure the best chance of securing funding when opportunities arise through the Government’s ‘Network North’ initiative.

The consultation has been launched to find out whether there is support for a new transport interchange at the proposed location and to seek the views of the existing users of Brough and Ferriby stations, and the local and regional population and businesses.

These will be incorporated into further timetable analysis and development of a business case, with further consultation being carried out as plans progress.

There have been several new stations opened recently, including at Reading West in Berkshire, and Leven on the new Levenmouth rail link in Scotland.