The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) has marked another significant milestone, as engineers have successfully completed five consecutive weekends of critical work between Leeds and York, paving the way for the electrification of the railway.
Following the installation of overhead line equipment (OLE) masts earlier in the year, 7.5 kilometres of wiring has now been completed between Micklefield and Church Fenton. This crucial progress will enable faster, greener journeys in the future. Just to the east of this location, electric passenger services between York and Church Fenton are slated to launch in the coming months, building on last year’s successful switch-on between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge.
Further major work included the safe demolition and replacement of the Station Road bridge in Cross Gates, a necessary step to allow for the installation of OLE throughout that area.
Additionally, approximately 750 metres of track were renewed between Killingbeck and Cross Gates, which will contribute to smoother, more reliable travel. A new track crossover was also installed, enabling trains to switch lines, a feature that will help maintain passenger services during a future stage of TRU delivery.
Adam Sellers, Senior Sponsor for TRU, said: “This latest series of upgrades has taken us a step closer to the electrification of the route between York and Manchester. Wiring is now in place in the Barkston Ash area, whilst Cross Gates station can now facilitate the installation of OLE masts. Work to deliver cleaner, greener services throughout this area will continue throughout the year, whilst attention also turns to the introduction of electric passenger services nearby, which is another huge milestone for the programme.”
The delivery of these upgrades was made possible through a full closure of the line between Leeds and York, requiring close coordination between train operators including TransPennine Express and Northern. To ensure passengers could continue their journeys, diversionary routes and rail replacement buses were in operation across all five weekends.
