Significant progress is being made by the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) team in Ravensthorpe, West Yorkshire, following the closure of the station in December. Key engineering works—including the new Calder Road bridge and the Baker Viaduct—are advancing rapidly as the programme moves toward delivering a modernised, higher‑capacity rail corridor across the North.
The TRU programme is constructing a brand‑new Ravensthorpe station 200 metres west of the existing site. The upgraded station will feature a step‑free footbridge with lifts, improved forecourt and drop‑off facilities, and an extended island platform capable of accommodating longer trains. These enhancements will increase capacity, improve accessibility, and support more comfortable, reliable services.
Major Structures Taking Shape
Progress on two of the upgrade’s most critical structures has been substantial:
Calder Road Bridge
- Twenty pre‑cast concrete beams were successfully installed last year.
- Parapet installation is now underway to complete the bridge structure.
- The new bridge and the box junction beneath it will support future four‑tracking, enabling express services to overtake stopping trains and significantly reduce journey times.
Baker Viaduct
- Sixteen of the planned 18 support columns are now complete.
- Steelwork for the first three spans has been erected, including Span 2 across the historic Calder & Hebble Navigation Canal.
- The viaduct will also cross the River Calder, forming a crucial part of the upgraded rail alignment.
Throughout the area, new overhead line equipment (OLE) will be installed to support cleaner, greener electric train services.
Earthworks Transform the Landscape
A new grade‑separated flyover will link Calder Road bridge and Baker Viaduct. Extensive earthworks—including embankments and retaining walls—are essential to this design. Around 130,000m³ of material was placed across the Ravensthorpe triangle in 2025, with a similar volume planned for 2026 to complete the formation.
These upgrades will enable faster, more frequent, and more reliable rail services through the corridor and beyond.
TRU Sponsor Andrew Campbell said:
“We made great strides across Ravensthorpe last year, and the recent closure of the station has helped us accelerate progress.
“We’re looking forward to a busy 2026 in the area, and are excited to deliver an improved, modernised station that will improve the customer experience and support better rail journeys across the North.”
