During the festive season, significant enhancements were made across multiple sites on the Transpennine route, bringing passengers closer to faster, greener, and more reliable journeys between Manchester and York.
In Leeds, a dedicated team of 100 TRU engineers replaced the Osmondthorpe Lane railway bridge. The new 200-tonne structure was moved into place using a self-propelled modular transport (SPMT) vehicle. Once positioned, new tracks and over 270 tonnes of ballast were laid, ensuring the railway was handed back on time for passenger services to resume.
In Mirfield, a section of the Station Road railway bridge was replaced, paving the way for a new accessible station entrance. Additionally, piling work was completed to support the new platform layout.
At Church Fenton near York, foundations were installed for new overhead line equipment (OLE), which will enable electric trains to run through the area in the future. Near Miles Platting in Manchester, a crucial set of track points was renewed, allowing trains to switch lines more efficiently.
Looking ahead, a series of track, station, and bridge upgrades are scheduled along the route over six weekends between January and February, with additional work planned for three weeks in March (excluding weekends).
Gordon Kells, TRU Interim Managing Director, said:
"Over Christmas and New Year, we completed significant upgrades across multiple sites on our route, improving journeys between Manchester and York.
"I'd like to say thank you to our neighbours for their support and everyone that worked over this period, whose efforts contributed to the safe and successful completion of a number of key upgrades, setting us off to a strong start in 2025."
Andy Stocks, East of Leeds Alliance Director for Transpennine Route Upgrade said:
"I want to say a big thank you to our customers and neighbours for bearing with us during this period as our engineers completed significant work between York and Leeds to facilitate ongoing electrification of the Route, which included a major bridge upgrade in the Osmondthorpe area of Leeds.
“Our engineers worked around the clock, demonstrating outstanding teamwork and professionalism to replace the old bridge deck with a stronger one. This complex task required dedication and commitment from all involved, and the successful, on-time completion reflects the pride we take in delivering quality work that makes a real difference.
“This key milestone takes us one step closer to faster, greener and more reliable services between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York.”
Image and video credits: Network Rail
