TransPennine Route Upgrade reaches Huddersfield-Leeds stretch
From 2-25 May, 6.2km of track will be renewed, more than 21,000 tonnes of ballast will be laid, and 56 engineering trains deployed to improve this section of the 70-mile journey.
The aim is to pave the way for electrified services along the Transpennine route, with 51 foundation bases installed to support overhead line equipment.
While works are happening, Brighouse Station will act as a rail and bus interchange and diversionary routes, which TRU has invested £100m in, will be utilised.
During weekdays, customers travelling between Huddersfield and Leeds will be diverted via Wakefield, while replacement buses between the stations will operate at weekends.
The next stage of upgrades will take place from 30 May to 27 June, focusing on Batley and Dewsbury.
Batley station will have its accessibility improved, as well as an extended 150-metre platforms, while Dewsbury Station’s platforms will be extended to 200 metres.
This phase will see 66 engineering trains in operation to deliver more than 5km of track renewals, including the installation of more than 27,000 tonnes of ballast and 67 OLE masts.
Around 800 metres of drainage work will also be completed.
Work will continue at Huddersfield station on weekends throughout this period, including platform remodelling, subway excavations, the construction of a new staircase and footbridge, and the refurbishment of the station’s ‘Euston style’ roof will also continue as part of its wider transformation, due for completion in early 2027.
Sophie Leishman, TRU sponsor, said: “Over recent months we’ve made strong progress between Huddersfield and Leeds, and with this next phase about to begin, we’re preparing to take another major step forward on a key section of the route.
“Our teams will be working day and night over the coming weeks, and I’d like to thank both customers and the local community for their continued support as we deliver these transformative improvements to the railway.”
Andrew Allwright, TRU programme delivery lead for Northern, said: “The Transpennine Route Upgrade continues to make lots of progress between Huddersfield and Leeds, delivering a once in a generation upgrade for our customers.
“We’ve already seen key milestones delivered such as a brand-new station at Morley and a remodelled, fully accessible, station at Mirfield.”
