The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) program has achieved a significant milestone with the approval of a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) by the Secretary of State for Transport. This Order grants TRU the necessary permissions to deliver major upgrades to the railway line between Leeds and Micklefield.
The successful confirmation of the TWAO allows TRU to move forward with its plans for this section of the route. These plans include:
- Improved Safety: Replacing five level crossings with safer alternatives, significantly enhancing safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
- Electrification Preparation: Reconstructing or removing a number of bridges to facilitate the future electrification of the railway.
- Infrastructure Enhancements: Installing essential small-scale infrastructure improvements to support the overall project.
- Construction Support: Establishing temporary work compounds to efficiently execute the planned works.
One notable project among the upgrades is the replacement of the Barrowby Lane and Barrowby Foot level crossings near Garforth. These crossings will be replaced with an accessible bridleway footbridge, allowing both horses and pedestrians to safely cross the railway line.
Another noteworthy project involves raising the Grade II listed Crawshaw Woods bridge. This bridge holds historical significance as the earliest cast iron bridge in the world still in use on an operational railway.
Benefits for Passengers and the Region
Adam Sellers, Senior Sponsor on TRU, said: “This is a huge success for TRU, bringing us a step closer to delivering faster, more frequent trains on a more reliable railway.
“The recent approval of this Transport and Works Act Order will enable us to complete major upgrades between Leeds and Micklefield, which will unlock a range of benefits for customers travelling across this stretch of railway and beyond.
“We would like to thank our rail industry partners for their support in getting this TWAO approval, and look forward to continuing to work with them on the next stages of work in this area.”
Sellers further expressed gratitude to TRU’s rail industry partners for their support in securing the TWAO and highlighted their continued collaboration in the upcoming stages of the project.
Full details on the Order and its components are available on the TRU website: www.thetrupgrade.co.uk/leeds-micklefield
