24.10.18
‘Vital’ upgrade work to West Yorkshire’s signalling system has been completed
Network Rail has completed “vital” upgrade works to the signalling system used between Pudsey, Bradford, Halifax, Hebden Bridge, Huddersfield and Shepley as part of the Great North Rail Project.
The project sees a new state of the art Rail Operating Centre in York taking control of the old-style, lineside mechanical signal boxes use on the West Yorkshire railway.
These upgrades will provide a “more modern, reliable and cost-effective railway which will improve journeys for passengers not only in West Yorkshire, but across the whole of the north.”
A bus replacement service was in operation across the weekend as to allow the work to be completed, but train services are now running normally and Network Rail says they are now running on a “more modern railway.”
Rob McIntosh, route managing director for Network Rail, said: “Passengers across the north will start seeing the benefits of this upgrade today and will benefit from a more modern and reliable railway which will improve journeys.
“We’re delighted that the final stage of this vital upgrade is now complete and we’d like to thank passengers for their patience whilst this work took place.
“This project will ensure we can continue to meet the needs of the communities and economies which our railway serves.”
Last month, Theresa May announced that the West Yorkshire Combined Authority had secured funding for a selection of connection upgrades to eight of its rail stations as part of the £840m ‘transforming cities’ fund.
Network Rail have been carrying out a number of projects across northern England as part of the Great North Rail Project, including an £18m investment in the Peak District to improve freight sidings and an eight-week revamp of Liverpool Lime Street in August.
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