Passengers travelling through Huddersfield are being urged to plan ahead as the TransPennine Route Upgrade (TRU) enters a significant new phase, with a series of major engineering works scheduled between Saturday 19 September and Sunday 4 October 2026.
The intensive programme of work represents another milestone in the multi-billion-pound railway modernisation scheme that will transform journeys between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York. During the 16-day possession, engineers will work around the clock to deliver a range of infrastructure improvements designed to increase capacity, improve reliability and pave the way for future electrified services.
Among the most significant elements of the programme is the installation of two new lines of track through the Huddersfield area. The additional infrastructure will help increase capacity on one of the North's busiest rail corridors, enabling faster services to overtake stopping trains and reducing journey times in the years ahead.
Teams will also undertake extensive track and drainage renewals aimed at improving operational reliability, alongside major signalling installation and recovery works that will support more dependable train services.
Major Progress at Huddersfield and Deighton Stations
The possession period will see substantial progress made on the ongoing transformation of Huddersfield station. Works include platform extensions, modifications to the track layout to accommodate longer and more frequent trains, restoration of the station's historic roof canopy and extensions to the subway to improve accessibility for passengers.
Meanwhile, nearby Deighton station will continue its own significant redevelopment, with a new footbridge and lifts being installed to provide step-free access when the station reopens. Extended platforms will also form part of the upgraded facility.
Preparatory work will additionally take place at the A62 Leeds Road Bridge, which is scheduled for demolition and reconstruction at a later stage. The upgraded structure will provide sufficient clearance for overhead line equipment, supporting the introduction of greener electric train services across the corridor.
The work forms a key part of the wider TRU programme, which is modernising the railway across the North to deliver faster, more reliable journeys and improved connectivity for communities and businesses.
Station Closures and Service Changes
To facilitate the improvements, Huddersfield and Slaithwaite stations will close from Saturday 19 September until Sunday 4 October, reopening on Monday 5 October.
Passengers travelling between Stalybridge and Mirfield will also be affected. Rail replacement buses will operate at Mossley, Greenfield and Marsden on the weekends of 19 to 20 September and 3 to 4 October.
Alternative travel arrangements, including diversionary rail routes and replacement bus services, will be available throughout the works. Customers are advised to check journey details before travelling, as amended timetables and extended journey times are expected.
Industry Reaction
Sophie Leishman, TRU sponsor, said:
"Our latest series of improvement works will take customers a step closer to faster, more frequent services as work on doubling the number of tracks from two to four through the area ramps up. The huge transformation of both Huddersfield and Deighton stations is also progressing strongly, with the main works at Huddersfield set for completion in early 2027.
"I’d like to thank customers for their understanding as we deliver these vital upgrades.”
Liam O’Shaughnessy, TRU Programme Delivery Lead for Northern, said:
"During these works, both Northern and TransPennine Express services will be affected. From 19 September – 2 October, Northern services between Huddersfield and Sheffield will be unable to run between Huddersfield and Lockwood. From 3 - 4 October, due to other improvement works taking place in the Barnsley area, trains will be unable to run between Huddersfield and Barnsley. Replacement buses will be in operation to help customers complete their journeys throughout these works.
"To keep customers on trains as much as possible, TransPennine Express services will be diverted between Leeds and Manchester with rail replacement buses connecting customers from Huddersfield to Brighouse for onward rail connections.
"To ensure the safety of customers, the car park at Brighouse Station will be closed to most customers. Alternative parking for customers using Brighouse station will be available locally in marked on-street parking bays, or at nearby public facilities. Blue badge holders will continue to have access to designated spaces at Brighouse station car park.”
Planning Ahead
Passengers travelling on the TransPennine route during the possession period are strongly encouraged to check journey information before setting out. While replacement transport and diversionary routes will help keep customers moving, revised timetables and longer journey times are expected across parts of the network.
Image credit: Network Rail
