The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) has completed another significant phase of work in West Yorkshire, delivering major infrastructure improvements between Morley and Dewsbury that move the programme closer to providing faster, more reliable and lower-carbon rail services across the North.
Engineers carried out the latest phase of upgrades between 30 May and 27 June, completing extensive track, electrification and station improvements designed to support the future operation of longer, faster electric trains.
Among the key achievements were more than five kilometres of track renewals and over 800 metres of new drainage, helping to improve reliability along one of the busiest sections of the TransPennine route.
The programme also made significant progress towards electrification, with 66 overhead line equipment (OLE) masts installed alongside 43 new foundations that will support future electric services.
Station upgrades nearing completion
Major improvements at Batley and Dewsbury stations have also advanced significantly, with both stations now approaching completion.
At Batley, work has included platform extensions and improvements to passenger facilities, while Dewsbury has benefited from a strengthened footbridge, extended platform canopies and foundations for longer platforms.
Meanwhile, the reconstruction of Jack Lane bridge in Dewsbury will allow longer and faster trains to operate across the structure, increasing capacity for passengers.
Once complete, both stations will offer improved accessibility, longer platforms capable of accommodating trains with more seats, and enhanced facilities for customers travelling across West Yorkshire.
Jonathan Hepton, Project Sponsor for the Transpennine Route Upgrade, said: “We’re delighted to have completed this latest series of work safely and on time, thanks to the hard work of our teams and the support of our customers and our communities.
“TRU has made great strides in delivering a more reliable, electrified railway across the Pennines so far this year, with significant station upgrades delivered, too.
“By the end of summer, we look forward to unveiling a transformed Batley station with a brand-new footbridge, lifts and platforms, which will greatly improve step-free access around the station. At Dewsbury, we will be introducing better waiting facilities and extended platforms.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to our teams who worked around the clock and throughout the recent very hot weather.”
Next phase focuses on Huddersfield
Attention now turns to Huddersfield station, where a series of weekend engineering possessions will take place throughout July and early August ahead of a more intensive 16-day blockade planned for September.
Weekend works will include installing sections of the station’s new roof, surfacing newly extended platforms, fitting and testing new lifts, and extending both the station footbridge and subway.
Rail replacement buses and diversionary rail services will operate during the affected weekends, while weekday services are expected to continue as normal.
Liam O’Shaughnessy, TRU Programme Delivery Lead for Northern, said: “Over the last month, the Transpennine Route Upgrade has made great progress in delivering upgrades between Huddersfield and Leeds.
“The investment in both the infrastructure and improving customer facilities, including at Batley station where improvements will continue this year, will benefit our customers and communities for years to come.
“Working together with partners across the rail industry, we have been able to keep people moving as these works have progressed and we would like to thank everyone for their patience while these works have taken place.”
The Transpennine Route Upgrade is one of Britain’s largest rail enhancement programmes, delivering line speed improvements, digital signalling, electrification and station modernisation to increase capacity and improve reliability across the key corridor linking Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York.
