11.10.17
State-of-the-art signal work set to start in West Yorkshire
Work to upgrade signalling in West Yorkshire to a new state-of-the-art system will begin on 28 October.
The operations are part of the Great North Rail Project and represent phase two of a three phase plan which will change all the signalling in the area from traditional lineside signal boxes to the Rail Operating Centre in York.
The work is expected to result in more modern, cost-effective and reliable service from operators and should have a knock-on positive effect to other rail routes in the north.
However, the upgrades mean both Huddersfield and Dewsbury stations will have to close for the weekend, with no trains running through them.
“We appreciate that there is never a good time to disrupt passengers and we are advising anyone wishing to travel to plan their journeys ahead of time to avoid disappointment,” said Rob McIntosh, route managing director for Network Rail.
“The signalling system in this part of West Yorkshire is approaching the end of its operational life and this investment will increase reliability, thereby reducing delays, while cutting the cost of running the railway for the taxpayer.”
While the two stations are closed, TranspennineExpress (TPE) and Northern will operate up to 25 buses an hour to keep passengers moving between Leeds, Manchester, Manchester Airport, Halifax, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Stalybridge and Bradford.
Paul Barnfield, regional director at Northern, said: “This vital work is the latest part of the Great North Rail Project which is transforming the rail infrastructure across the north of England.
“We continue to work closely with colleagues in the industry to deal with any disruption to our customers’ journeys and have plans in place to help keep people on the move at the end of October.”
The work will also mean changes to various TPE services in the North.
“Due to this important work, we will be unable to operate any trains between Manchester and Leeds between 28 and 29 October,” explained Kathryn O’Brien, customer experience director for TPE. “Customers travelling between the two cities should use Northern services on the Manchester Victoria to Leeds route. Replacement buses will also be running.
“There will also be changes to our services from Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Scarborough, Hull, Manchester, Sheffield, Doncaster and Cleethorpes.
“No trains will be operating to or from Huddersfield or Dewsbury railway stations but the local team will still be on hand to provide help and assistance to customers.
The Great North Rail Project is a large-scale plan to improve platforms and signalling systems as well as adding a number of other major projects such as the Ordsall Chord which link Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria for the first time.
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