The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) has achieved another significant construction milestone at Ravensthorpe, with the penultimate pair of steel beams now installed on the new Baker Viaduct, allowing the structure to span the River Calder for the first time.
The 350-metre-long viaduct, weighing approximately 2,400 tonnes, now stretches across both the River Calder and the historic Calder & Hebble Navigation Canal, following the successful crossing of the canal last year. The new structure forms a central component of TRU's extensive programme of works at Ravensthorpe, one of the largest live civil engineering projects currently under construction in the UK.
Once complete, Baker Viaduct will connect with a newly constructed grade-separated flyover that will support a four-track railway layout. The enhanced infrastructure will allow faster services to overtake stopping trains, increasing network capacity and helping to reduce journey times across the Transpennine route.
Significant progress has also been made on the supporting earthworks required to connect the viaduct and flyover. During 2025 alone, approximately 130,000m³ of material has been placed to create embankments, retaining walls and other earthwork structures, with a similar volume planned for installation throughout 2026.
Alongside the track realignment scheme, TRU is constructing a new Ravensthorpe station around 200 metres west of its existing location. The relocated station will provide future passengers with access to services towards both Leeds and Wakefield while supporting the expanded four-track railway.
Adam Bunce, Senior Project Manager for TRU, said:
"Baker Viaduct now spanning the River Calder is a significant milestone for TRU. This is an impressive feat of engineering and we’re really proud of everyone across our teams who have made it possible.
“When completed, Baker Viaduct will unlock faster, more reliable services for customers in the North. Work is also progressing well on the new Ravensthorpe station which, when reopened in 2028, will have a footbridge with lifts for step-free access, a new forecourt area and drop-off facilities, and new, extended island platforms so longer trains with more seats can stop there.
“Overhead line equipment (OLE) will also be installed throughout the area to power greener, electrified services.”
The viaduct's construction has involved a collaborative effort between TRU delivery partners, including BAM Nuttall and Severfield, with the latter playing a major role in the fabrication and installation of the steel structure.
Gareth Day, Projects Associate Director for Severfield, said:
"Today’s lift is the penultimate and thirty first installation lift of the Baker Viaduct and follows over sixty offline assembly lifts since we started on site last September.
Installing the final drop-in span is a very proud achievement for the Severfield Bridge team. 3D modelling of the structure started back in 2024, so the final lifts on site this week mark nearly two years of meticulous planning and engineering to successfully fabricate, deliver and install the 2,400t viaduct.”
To celebrate the latest milestone, representatives from Kirklees Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority were invited to view the structure and witness the progress being made on one of the region's most transformative rail schemes.
Cllr Eleanor Thomson, Weaver Network Board deputy chair, said:
“The Transpennine Route Upgrade is a huge investment into our region.
“It was fantastic to see this feat of engineering slot into place – this kind of new infrastructure will lead to quicker, more reliable journeys and greater capacity for passenger and freight services, as well as boosting our economy.
“Better rail services will play a key role in our Weaver Network – a new, joined-up transport network for a better-connected West Yorkshire.”
The completion of Baker Viaduct represents another visible step forward in the delivery of TRU, a programme that is transforming rail connectivity across the North through line-speed improvements, additional capacity, electrification and upgraded stations. Once operational, the Ravensthorpe enhancements will support faster, greener and more reliable rail travel while helping unlock economic growth across West Yorkshire and beyond.
Image credits: Network Rail
