From Sunday 14 December, Ravensthorpe station will close until summer 2028 as part of the next phase of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU). This closure paves the way for a brand-new, modernised station to be built 200 metres west of the current location.
The new station will feature a footbridge with lifts for step-free access, a redesigned forecourt with drop-off facilities, and a longer island platform to accommodate longer trains with more seats for passengers. These improvements will significantly enhance accessibility and capacity for the growing number of rail users.
Relocating the station enables the installation of a four-track railway through the station footprint and beyond, allowing direct services to overtake stopping services. This will be complemented by the construction of the new Baker Viaduct, reducing journey times between Manchester, Leeds and York.
In addition, overhead line equipment (OLE) will be installed throughout the area, powering greener, electric trains and supporting the industry’s sustainability goals.
Andrew Campbell, TRU sponsor, said:
“The upcoming closure of Ravensthorpe station marks the beginning of an important phase for the programme, as work intensifies until summer 2028.”
The station area, known as Ravensthorpe triangle, has already seen a great deal of progress, and is currently one of the biggest civil-engineering sites in the North. Work already underway includes the installation of concrete beams to form the new Calder Road bridge and the installation of piers for the new Baker Viaduct – both of which are helping enable major track realignment work for more reliable, smoother journeys across the Pennines.”
Andrew Allwright, TRU Programme Delivery Lead for Northern, added:
“The work to upgrade Ravensthorpe railway station, as well as the railway in the surrounding vicinity of the station, is key to the overall modernisation of the railway across the Pennines. The work done as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) will not only deliver benefits locally to Ravensthorpe, with a modern station that has longer platforms and upgraded facilities, but will also help deliver a greener railway, as well as faster and more reliable services for our customers.”
Image credit: Network Rail
