The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is preparing for one of its most intensive periods of work yet, with major engineering operations scheduled throughout May and June to drive forward faster, greener and more reliable rail connections across the North.
Between Saturday 2 May and Monday 25 May, teams will deploy 56 engineering trains along the Huddersfield–Leeds corridor to deliver significant upgrades. This work includes the renewal of 6.2km of track and the installation of over 21,000 tonnes of new ballast, boosting journey reliability along the 70-mile Transpennine route.
A further 51 foundation bases will be installed to support future overhead line equipment (OLE), enabling electrified services in the years ahead.
To reduce disruption, Brighouse station will serve as a rail–bus interchange, supporting the £100m investment in diversionary routes designed to keep more customers on trains. Elsewhere, services will run as close as possible to closure points, with replacement buses maintaining connectivity.
🚧 Next Phase: Batley & Dewsbury Upgrades (30 May–27 June)
The final phase of late-spring works brings major improvements to Batley and Dewsbury stations. Once complete — following lift commissioning — Batley will reopen with full step-free access for the first time, enhanced customer facilities, and platforms extended to 150m.
Dewsbury will also reopen with 200m platforms, enabling longer, higher-capacity trains.
This period will see:
- 66 engineering trains deployed
- 5km of track renewed
- 27,000 tonnes of ballast laid
- 800m of drainage installed
- 67 new OLE masts erected
🏗 Work Continues at Huddersfield Station
Across weekends in May and June, TRU teams will advance the transformation of Huddersfield station. Key works include:
- Platform remodelling
- Subway excavation
- Construction of a new staircase and footbridge
- Further extension of the iconic “Euston-style” canopy
The full station transformation is set for completion in early 2027.
During weekdays, customers will be diverted via Wakefield. Weekend services will operate as close as possible to closure areas, with rail replacement buses in place.
Passengers are strongly encouraged to check their journey in advance at nationalrail.co.uk or via their train operator.
📢 What TRU Leaders Said
Sophie Leishman, TRU Sponsor, said:
“Significant progress has been made between Huddersfield and Leeds in recent months, and this next series of upgrades will allow us to take another step forward in what is a key stretch of the route and an important enabler for wider TRU plans across the North.
Andrew Allwright, TRU Programme Delivery Lead for Northern, said:
“We know there is no ideal time to close parts of the railway, and the team is grateful to customers for their patience whilst we complete the next phase of upgrades. These are significant pieces of work which will support wider improvements – customers can look forward to smoother and more reliable journeys, longer platforms and step-free access for the first time at Batley.”
Joe Munro, TRU Joint-Lead for Customer Delivery for Northern, said:
“Customers should check their journey before they travel and allow extra time for their journey. Our plans have been designed to keep customers on trains wherever possible, and teams will be on hand to support customers during this time.”
Image credit: Network Rail
