The Transpennine Route Upgrade has completed another major phase of infrastructure works in Huddersfield, bringing the programme a significant step closer to delivering faster, more frequent and more reliable rail services across the North.
The intensive 16-day programme, which ran from Saturday 19 September to Sunday 4 October, saw engineers working around the clock to deliver a series of critical improvements across the railway network and at both Huddersfield and Deighton stations.
The works form part of the multi-billion-pound TRU programme, which is transforming the railway between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York. Once completed, the upgrade will increase capacity, improve reliability and accessibility, and support the introduction of cleaner electric trains.
Among the key achievements completed during the possession were the installation of two new railway lines through the Huddersfield area, including more than 2km of new track. The additional infrastructure will support future capacity improvements and enable faster services to overtake stopping trains.
Engineers also delivered more than 1.3km of track renewals and over 900m of drainage upgrades, helping to improve long-term reliability and resilience across the route.
Significant progress was made at Huddersfield station, with platform extensions advancing alongside restoration works on the station's historic roof canopy and extensions to the subway. Meanwhile, at Deighton station, teams extended platforms and installed a new accessible footbridge, which will be fitted with lifts as the project progresses.
The possession also included the installation of more than 50 overhead line equipment masts and over 50 steel structures that will support future electrification of the route. Preparatory works were completed at the A62 Leeds Road bridge ahead of its planned reconstruction to accommodate electric railway infrastructure, while signalling upgrades were delivered to improve operational performance and network reliability.
James Richardson, TRU Managing Director, said:
“Completing this latest phase of work is down to the dedication, skill, and teamwork of our teams. From infrastructure delivery to planning and keeping passengers on the move during the disruption to their journeys, every part of the programme has played a role in this latest work.”
Liam O’Shaughnessy, TRU Programme Delivery Lead for Northern, said:
“The work that has been completed over the last 16 days in the Huddersfield area is another crucial step towards delivering the benefits that the Transpennine Route Upgrade will bring for customers across the North.
“We have worked closely with our industry partners to keep customers on the move as these works have continued and we would like to thank our customers and local communities for their patience and cooperation whilst these improvement works have been taking place.”
With this phase now complete, attention turns to the next major stage of delivery. Huddersfield station will close for 38 days from after the final service on Thursday 24 December 2026 until Sunday 31 January 2027, reopening on Monday 1 February 2027. During the closure, engineers will undertake further transformative works to both the station and surrounding railway infrastructure.
The latest achievement marks another important milestone in one of the UK's most ambitious rail enhancement programmes, with passengers set to benefit from increased capacity, improved reliability, enhanced accessibility and a greener railway in the years ahead.
Image credit: iStock
