The
TRU programme has taken another step towards delivering faster, more frequent trains on a more reliable railway across West Yorkshire and beyond following the latest series of planned improvements.
Work began on 2 May and, after a wide range of track, station and structural upgrades, was completed on 25 May. During this period, 6.2 kilometres of track were replaced, allowing for smoother and more reliable journeys. More than 50 overhead line foundation bases were installed to support future electrified and greener services. Whitacre Street bridge in Deighton was reconstructed using five beams weighing a combined 132 tonnes, creating additional space to allow the number of tracks in the area to increase from two to four. This will enable faster services to overtake stopping trains and help reduce journey times. Platforms at both Huddersfield and Deighton stations were remodelled to increase capacity for longer trains with more seats, while a new footbridge was constructed at Huddersfield to improve step-free access around the station.
Sophie Leishman, TRU sponsor, said: “Thanks to the hard work of our teams and the support from customers and local communities, this 24-day line closure has been a huge success. We made great strides in the upgrades of Huddersfield and Deighton stations, and made significant improvements to the railway between Huddersfield and Leeds. Across the programme, we are well on track with delivering a more reliable, electrified railway across the Pennines, with journey times reduced and capacity increased.”
Customers were kept moving through nearly 2,500 trains operating on TRU’s dedicated £100 million diversionary routes. This investment has strengthened the resilience of alternative routes, helping to minimise disruption during planned works. In addition, almost 650 customer delivery manager shifts ensured staff were available to support passengers at affected stations throughout the 24-day closure.
Liam O’Shaughnessy, TRU programme delivery lead for Northern, said: “A significant amount of work has been completed in and around Deighton during May and it’s fantastic to see what has been achieved by everyone involved in delivering this latest milestone for TRU. We’d like to thank our customers and local communities for their patience and understanding while these upgrade works have taken place. We’d also like to thank all our colleagues from across the industry who have come together to keep customers moving while the works have progressed, especially in making use of Brighouse station as an interchange for replacement buses to maintain connections between Huddersfield and Leeds.”
Attention now turns to the next phase of major improvement works between Morley and Dewsbury, which will run from 30 May until 27 June. During this period, teams will replace track and improve drainage to increase reliability for services passing through the area. Overhead line equipment masts will be installed to enable future electric train operations. At Batley station, work will focus on platform improvements and making the station more accessible, while at Dewsbury station efforts will be made to enhance customer facilities and strengthen the footbridge. Jack Lane bridge in Dewsbury will also be reconstructed, with strengthening work allowing faster and longer trains to pass over it.
This phase marks another major step in the transformation of both Batley and Dewsbury stations, bringing them much closer to completion later this summer. Once finished, the upgraded stations will offer improved accessibility, extended platforms capable of accommodating longer trains with more seating, and enhanced facilities for customers travelling across the North.