Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) teams are progressing track, drainage, station and electrification works during a 16-day railway closure in the Huddersfield area.
The closure covers the route between Stalybridge and Mirfield and runs from Saturday 19 September until Sunday 4 October. The railway is due to reopen on Monday 5 October.
Track and station works
During the first week of the closure, teams carried out track and drainage renewals intended to improve the reliability of services. New track and overhead line equipment are also being installed.
At Huddersfield station, work includes restoring the historic roof canopy, extending the subway to improve accessibility, and continuing platform extension and track layout works. The changes are intended to support more frequent trains with additional passenger capacity.
Platform extension work has also taken place at Deighton station, where a new footbridge with lifts is being installed to provide step-free access.
Before the railway reopens, two new lines of track are due to be installed. They are intended to increase capacity and reduce journey times by allowing direct services to overtake stopping services in the future. Overhead line equipment will support the introduction of electrified trains.
Wider programme
The TRU is a multi-billion-pound upgrade between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York. It includes full route electrification, additional tracks in key locations, digital signalling and improvements to all 23 stations.
TRU managing director James Richardson said: “Huddersfield is one of the most significant sites across the TRU footprint. Our work at Huddersfield station and on the wider railway will deliver a once-in-a-generation transformation, that will not only improve connectivity but help drive economic growth and wider investment in the town.”
Richardson said progress since work began on site in 2023, including the current closure-period works, would “pave the way for real benefits for passengers by early 2027”.
A Network Rail-commissioned study found that planning applications within 1.5 miles of Huddersfield station had increased by nearly 33% since TRU funding was confirmed in 2020. The programme is estimated to generate £1.9bn in gross value added, create nearly 5,000 full-time equivalent jobs and support almost 1,200 new homes.
Kirklees Council cabinet member for regeneration, transport and highways John Hardie said: “Rail travel across Kirklees is changing, and it was fantastic to see first-hand the significant work taking place to transform Huddersfield Railway Station into a station for the future.
“The Transpennine Route Upgrade is creating a railway network fit for Kirklees that supports our position as a vibrant, well-connected place to live and work.”
Further work at Huddersfield station is planned later in 2026, including a 38-day closure from after the final service on Christmas Eve until 31 January 2027. The station is due to reopen on 1 February 2027.