Transpennine Rail Upgrades Reach Key Milestones Over Festive Period

Over the Christmas and New Year period, the Transpennine Route Upgrade team completed a series of major improvements designed to deliver faster, greener, and more frequent services with additional seating across the Pennines.

Significant progress was made at key locations including Mirfield, Deighton, and Huddersfield, while a planned closure of the line between Leeds and York allowed engineers to install and test new signalling and track upgrades. These enhancements aim to make the railway more efficient and reliable in the years ahead.

At Mirfield, teams realigned tracks, extended platforms, installed new signalling equipment, and upgraded customer facilities, including improved lighting, CCTV, and information boards. Later this month, new lifts will be commissioned, providing step-free access for the first time and improving the overall passenger experience.

Huddersfield station has seen continued restoration of its historic roof canopy alongside essential viaduct strengthening works. In Deighton, demolition of the Whitacre Street overbridge has begun, marking a key step toward constructing two additional lines that will allow faster services to overtake stopping trains and help reduce delays.

Further east, work on signalling renewals, station improvements, and track remodelling continues between Leeds and York, where the line closure is scheduled to last until 25 January. Once complete, the upgrades will allow trains to travel through the area more quickly while increasing service reliability.

James Richardson, Managing Director for Transpennine Route Upgrade, said:

“Over Christmas and New Year, we have successfully delivered an immense amount of work to plan between Yorks, Leeds and Manchester. I'd like to thank not only the TRU team, but also the customers and neighbours affected by the works. We are committed to delivering this incredible programme, supporting our passengers and communities, and making a real difference to the North of England. In 2026 we’ll build on this success with more electrification and more station improvements, while continuing to support passengers with their journeys, as we deliver stronger rail connections for a stronger North.”

Image: Network Rail