Network Rail‘s Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) has delivered a series of major upgrades across its network over the Christmas and New Year period, bringing passengers closer to faster, greener, and more reliable journeys between Manchester and York.
A key highlight was the replacement of Osmondthorpe Lane railway bridge in Leeds. A 100-strong team of engineers successfully lifted a 200-tonne bridge into position using a self-propelled modular transport (SPMT) vehicle.
Other significant works included:
- Mirfield: Replacement of a section of Station Road railway bridge, enabling the construction of a new accessible station entrance.
- Church Fenton: Installation of foundations for new overhead line equipment (OLE), paving the way for future electrification.
- Manchester: Renewal of a vital set of track points near Miles Platting, allowing trains to change lines more efficiently.
Gordon Kells, TRU Interim Managing Director, said: “Over Christmas and New Year, we completed significant upgrades across multiple sites on our route, improving journeys between Manchester and York.
“I’d like to say thank you to our neighbours for their support and everyone that worked over this period, whose efforts contributed to the safe and successful completion of a number of key upgrades, setting us off to a strong start in 2025.”
Andy Stocks, East of Leeds Alliance Director for Transpennine Route Upgrade said: “I want to say a big thank you to our customers and neighbours for bearing with us during this period as our engineers completed significant work between York and Leeds to facilitate ongoing electrification of the Route, which included a major bridge upgrade in the Osmondthorpe area of Leeds.
“Our engineers worked around the clock, demonstrating outstanding teamwork and professionalism to replace the old bridge deck with a stronger one. This complex task required dedication and commitment from all involved, and the successful, on-time completion reflects the pride we take in delivering quality work that makes a real difference.
“This key milestone takes us one step closer to faster, greener and more reliable services between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York.”
A series of track, station, and bridge upgrades will continue along the route over six weekends between January and February and three weeks (excluding weekends) in March.
