Teams working on the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) will be out in force between Leeds and York this festive season and into January, delivering essential improvements that will pave the way for faster, greener, and more frequent services across the North.
Over a 32-day period from Christmas Day to Sunday 25 January, the scale of work is significant:
- 45 engineering trains and 879 rail wagons will be deployed
- Supported by three large cranes and three tamping trains
A major focus will be on signalling and telecoms upgrades, with 70 new signals and associated infrastructure set to be installed, tested, and commissioned. Ahead of this, eight level crossings will be closed, most replaced with safer alternatives for crossing the railway.
In the Church Fenton area, tracks will be remodelled, and platforms 3 and 4 re-aligned. A new passing loop will allow express services to overtake stopping trains, boosting capacity and efficiency. These changes will enable higher line speeds in future, cutting journey times.
Additionally:
- 3km of track will be renewed
- Eight switches and crossings will be replaced
- Overhead line equipment (OLE) installation will continue, preparing the route for electrified, low-carbon services
Adam Sellers, TRU Senior Sponsor, said:
*“Whilst we understand there is never an ideal time to carry out such essential work, this time of year has been specifically chosen as it is traditionally the quietest for rail passengers – we really appreciate the understanding of customers as we complete these major upgrades.
“The improvements will really take us a step closer to improved rail travel throughout the region and form a pivotal part of TRU plans across the wider route.”
Chris Nutton, Major Projects & TRU Director at TransPennine Express, added:
*“The investment by the TRU programme has already led to real progress in the Church Fenton area, with the line between York and Church Fenton now fully electrified. More improvements will be made during the Christmas period and into the new year, which will lead to a better and more reliable railway.
“For the duration of these works, TransPennine Express services between Leeds, York, and Selby will be impacted, with the level of impact changing during these 32 days of vital upgrade works. Diversionary routes will be used to keep people on trains where possible and rail replacement buses will be in operation as well.
Image credit: Network Rail
