Significant progress has been made on signalling, platforms and infrastructure as TRU delivers round-the-clock upgrades across Yorkshire
Rail teams have completed a substantial package of improvement works across the Pennines over the Christmas and New Year period, with major milestones achieved at Mirfield, Deighton and Huddersfield stations.
The intensive engineering programme, delivered by the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) team, included a full closure of the Leeds-York line to enable critical signalling installation and track upgrades—work that will underpin future service improvements across the region.
What's been delivered
At Mirfield station, engineering teams have realigned tracks, installed new signalling equipment and constructed extended platforms to accommodate longer trains. Customer facilities including lighting, information screens and CCTV have been upgraded, with new lifts due to be commissioned later this month to provide step-free access for the first time.
Progress continued at Huddersfield, where teams worked on restoring the station's historic roof canopy alongside essential viaduct strengthening works.
At Deighton, demolition began on Whitacre Street overbridge—a critical milestone that will enable the construction of two additional running lines. This capacity enhancement will allow faster services to overtake stopping trains, reducing delays and improving punctuality across the network.
The planned Leeds-York closure, which continues until 25 January, has enabled a major programme of signalling renewals, station upgrades and track remodelling designed to increase line speeds and improve reliability.
Looking ahead
James Richardson, Managing Director for Transpennine Route Upgrade, said: "Over Christmas and New Year, we have successfully delivered an immense amount of work to plan between York, Leeds and Manchester. I'd like to thank not only the TRU team, but also the customers and neighbours affected by the works.
"We are committed to delivering this incredible programme, supporting our passengers and communities, and making a real difference to the North of England. In 2026 we'll build on this success with more electrification and more station improvements, while continuing to support passengers with their journeys, as we deliver stronger rail connections for a stronger North."
The works form part of TRU's wider transformation of the Manchester-Huddersfield-Leeds-York corridor, including full electrification, modern digital signalling systems, increased capacity and faster journey times. Further major milestones are planned throughout 2026 as the programme continues to gather momentum.
Image credit: Network Rail
