Transpennine Route Upgrade and Electrification updates

[zwk500]

I'm wondering why the new station wasn't built on the L&Y mainline rather than the LNW 'branch' to Leeds. If they had it would have given Ravensthorpe a direct line to Wakefield

Because Leeds is far and away the destination with more demand?

 

[Nottingham59]

I'm wondering why the new station wasn't built on the L&Y mainline rather than the LNW 'branch' to Leeds. If they had it would have given Ravensthorpe a direct line to Wakefield

As I understand it, the platforms are on the slow lines, and can access both the route to Leeds and the route to Wakefield.

 

[duffield]

I'm wondering why the new station wasn't built on the L&Y mainline rather than the LNW 'branch' to Leeds. If they had it would have given Ravensthorpe a direct line to Wakefield

Ravensthorpe will have a direct line to both Leeds and Wakefield, according to the plans I've seen. The track layout shows that the slow line platforms at Ravensthorpe have access to both lines in both directions.
Edit: In fact, all Wakefield bound trains will have to pass through the Ravensthorpe platforms.

See page 10, figure 2, proposed layout, in the linked document:

https://sacuksprodnrdigital0001.blob.core.windows.net/twao-huddersfield-westtown/Huddersfield%20to%20Westtown%20(Dewsbury)/02%20TWAO%20Application%20Documents/NR04%20Statement%20of%20Aims.pdf

Quote (document title):

The Network Rail (Huddersfield to Westtown (Dewsbury) Improvements) Order TRANSPORT AND WORKS ACT 1992 Transport and Works (Applications and Objections Procedure) (England and Wales) Rules 2006
THE NETWORK RAIL (HUDDERSFIELD TO WESTTOWN (DEWSBURY) IMPROVEMENTS) ORDER DOCUMENT NR04: STATEMENT OF AIMS

Notes:
The relevant part of the linked document is figure 2, a track diagram showing the current and proposed layouts at Ravensthorpe, and illustrating that the two slow line only paltforms at Ravensthorpe are accessable from both the Leeds and Wakefield lines.

 

[Nottingham59]

This is the plan from the Modern Railways article about it.

 

[duffield]

This is the plan from the Modern Railways article about it.

View attachment 183312

That makes it nice and clear and saves digging around in the PDF I linked to.

 

[KN94]

I'm wondering why the new station wasn't built on the L&Y mainline rather than the LNW 'branch' to Leeds. If they had it would have given Ravensthorpe a direct line to Wakefield

The 'new-and-improved' Ravensthorpe station will be.

EDIT: none of the above posts were there when I commented, despite me being an hour late. Apologies for the reply confirming what others have already mentioned.

 

[TBY-Paul]

There is an artist’s impression of how the new station will look when finished, It clearly shows the two slow lines going off in both directions, with fast lines crossing over and around the new station.


(source TRU website)

 

[YorkshireBear]

There is an artist’s impression of how the new station will look when finished, It clearly shows the two slow lines going off in both directions, with fast lines crossing over and around the new station.


View attachment 183315(source TRU website)

Also clearly shows why the new can't be kept open while the old is being built.

 

[TBY-Paul]

Also clearly shows why the new can't be kept open while the old is being built.

Quite, it’s a big job, not something that can be done with a couple of weekend possessions, as much as some people think it could/should be.

 

[YorksLad12]

Also clearly shows why the new can't be kept open while the old is being built.

It also shows why the old station can't be kept open while the new one is being built

I'm interested in the phasing of the works here. Presumably, the new track from the Dewsbury side and the box over the top will need constructing before work on New Ravensthorpe starts? Then the station platforms on the existing centre tracks, the viaduct for the fast lines, etc? Hope they add some form of shelter/canopy though!

 

[GRALISTAIR]

It also shows why the old station can't be kept open while the new one is being built

I'm interested in the phasing of the works here. Presumably, the new track from the Dewsbury side and the box over the top will need constructing before work on New Ravensthorpe starts? Then the station platforms on the existing centre tracks, the viaduct for the fast lines, etc? Hope they add some form of shelter/canopy though!

It certainly shows why a TWAO was needed. Really massive works and the phasing certainly interests me too.

 

[YorkshireBear]

It also shows why the old station can't be kept open while the new one is being built

I'm interested in the phasing of the works here. Presumably, the new track from the Dewsbury side and the box over the top will need constructing before work on New Ravensthorpe starts? Then the station platforms on the existing centre tracks, the viaduct for the fast lines, etc? Hope they add some form of shelter/canopy though!

I think with the focus at Mirfield on the slow lines, that the slow lines will be done first and then utilised as the route. With the fast lines then built over the top of them.

 

[YorksLad12]

I think with the focus at Mirfield on the slow lines, that the slow lines will be done first and then utilised as the route. With the fast lines then built over the top of them.

Well, the slow lines *are* the route! So it makes sense.

Watching the project move west-to-east is also interesting. New (slow?) lines and station at Deighton. New track bed for the new fast lines cutting the corner at Heaton Lodge. Mirfield station rebuild has to completed before P3 can be taken out (and those lines tuned over for fast lines work). By that time, Ravensthorpe will be ready to close and the new lines and box installed. Lots of spinning plates.

 

[Spartacus]

It's shame they replaced the lattice footbridge at Heaton Lodge with the Big Green Monstrosity (TM). I know it was too low for the wires, but I'd have thought it could have been removed, some concrete steps built to raise it up ad them reinstated. Someone's going to have to update Google Maps as well; no longer is it a "Historical landmark", just a big canvas waiting to be covered in graffiti.

I think one of the big concerns is people deciding to dangle things through the holes & getting themselves electrocuted. I'm actually a bit surprised it was replaced, one near Batley's been removed with no sign of replacement, and involves a much longer diversion than closing the Heaton Lodge one would do.

 

[johntea]

One worker has retired...Bolt the Huddersfield station cat!

(Makes sense though as it wouldn't be fair to keep him around what is essentially a massive construction site)

 

[D Mylchreest]

I think one of the big concerns is people deciding to dangle things through the holes & getting themselves electrocuted. I'm actually a bit surprised it was replaced, one near Batley's been removed with no sign of replacement, and involves a much longer diversion than closing the Heaton Lodge one would do.

The previous approach with LNWR lattice bridges on electrified lines was to plate over the lattices; you can see this up and down the WCML. More recently when the bridges have come up for maintenance they have been replaced with the current Network Rail design. This bridge was probably installed in the 19th Century and considered life expired anyway.

 

[superkev]

Re Colne Bridge nesf Bradley on ghe B6118.
Latest Robert Stenhouse picture shows the Crossbeams being lifted in place today.
I think this is the second of the 4 new bridges between Huddersfield and Heaton Lodge jnc to receive crossbeans.
K

 

[swt_passenger]

Re Colne Bridge nesf Bradley on ghe B6118.
Latest Robert Stenhouse picture shows the Crossbeams being lifted in place today.
I think this is the second of the 4 new bridges between Huddersfield and Heaton Lodge jnc to receive crossbeans.
K

Link to the relevant Flickr photo:

Colne Bridge, Nr Huddersfield

New bridge beams going into place 12.07.25 early am.

flic.kr

 

[Tim_UK]

There's a new bridge deck in the yard behind Huddersfield station.




Photo shows a U shaped steel structure, with what looks like a concrete topper on the tops of the U. Rough brown colour, maybe weathering steel. Taken through a narrow gap between the TPU offices an an old building. The tracks of Huddersfield station in the distance.

 

[swt_passenger]

There's a new bridge deck in the yard behind Huddersfield station.
[…]
Photo shows a U shaped steel structure, with what looks like a concrete topper on the tops of the U. Rough brown colour, maybe weathering steel. Taken through a narrow gap between the TPU offices an an old building. The tracks of Huddersfield station in the distance.

Is it likely that deck will be for the bridge over the A641, (Northgate), about 400m along the viaduct? Streetview shows there’s a span been removed, since a few years ago, I expect it needs to be reinstated for four tracking?

 

[Tim_UK]

Is it likely that deck will be for the bridge over the A641, (Northgate), about 400m along the viaduct? Streetview shows there’s a span been removed, since a few years ago, I expect it needs to be reinstated for four tracking?

It’s not for Northgate/Bradford Road. It has already been replaced.

The northside span was removed on the 30th March 2024. And the new concrete spans and side wall were in place before 16th March 2025. When I drove past yesterday, it is looking a lot more complete with more the sidewall on at either end.



There is a southside span for the A641, but it’s still in place and is a single track width. I suspect it won’t be moved until the trains can run over the new span on the north side.


Much more likely the new span is for one of the 3 over St John William street or the 1 over Fitzwilliam street. A big enough crane could probably lift it straight in one go.
How they phase the works, I’ve no idea.

 

[swt_passenger]

It’s not for Northgate/Bradford Road. It has already been replaced.

The northside span was removed on the 30th March 2024. And the new concrete spans and side wall were in place before 16th March 2025. When I drove past yesterday, it is looking a lot more complete with more the sidewall on at either end.



There is a southside span for the A641, but it’s still in place and is a single track width. I suspect it won’t be moved until the trains can run over the new span on the north side.


Much more likely the new span is for one of the 3 over St John William street or the 1 over Fitzwilliam street. A big enough crane could probably lift it straight in one go.
How they phase the works, I’ve no idea.

Ok, thanks for the quick update.

 

[AndyHudds]

It’s not for Northgate/Bradford Road. It has already been replaced.

The northside span was removed on the 30th March 2024. And the new concrete spans and side wall were in place before 16th March 2025. When I drove past yesterday, it is looking a lot more complete with more the sidewall on at either end.



There is a southside span for the A641, but it’s still in place and is a single track width. I suspect it won’t be moved until the trains can run over the new span on the north side.


Much more likely the new span is for one of the 3 over St John William street or the 1 over Fitzwilliam street. A big enough crane could probably lift it straight in one go.
How they phase the works, I’ve no idea.

I wonder if they will replace the John William Street/Fitzwilliam Street bridges during the station closure.

 

[zwk500]

Colton Junction to Church Fenton Electrification appears to have been authorised for Entry into Service by the ORR:

https://www.orr.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2025-07/network-rail-eastern-region-tru-project-e1-energy-subsystem-authorisation-2025-06-26.pdf

This authorisation is for the placing in service of Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) Project E1 Overhead Contact System between the East Coast Main Line (Engineer’s Line Reference – ECM4) at Colton Junction (5 miles 61 Chains), towards Leeds on the Normanton to Colton Junction Lines (Engineer’s Line Reference – NOC), to the northern side of Church Fenton Station (10 miles 5 Chains).

Any idea what level of NR or TOC testing or other works (APCO changes?) is required before TPE start using it?

Presumably not too much because there's a small section that hasn't been authorised:

We noted that there is an approximate 1.7km long section at the southern end of the new electrification which cannot be used for electric traction pending completion of dynamic testing at a later date (CoV 2192-6-SG-2025-ENE-EN-397396_024).

But good to see the ORR letting the bit that is fine be used rather than the whole thing being held up for a short section at the end.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

But good to see the ORR letting the bit that is fine be used rather than the whole thing being held up for a short section at the end.

I know- it was frustrating the life out of me. Also giving ammunition to certain people.

 

[Tim_UK]

I wonder if they will replace the John William Street/Fitzwilliam Street bridges during the station closure.

From

⚠️ Upcoming Closures and changes to services

Upgrading the Transpennine main line is a huge job. This means that, at times, we’ll need to close certain parts of the railway so we can make it more reliable and greener. When this happens, we’ll get you to where you’re going on a diversion route, or on a high quality bus or coach with comfy...

thetrupgrade.co.uk

and scroll down a bit and expand the box

Saturday 30 August until Sunday 28 September 2025
Trains through Huddersfield Station

What’s happening?
Huddersfield station will be closed for 30 days to complete major works. This includes:

• Track and platform remodelling at the station.
• Strengthening work to Huddersfield viaduct.
• The replacement of John William Street railway bridge.
• Track renewals and signalling work.

I read elsewhere that Huddersfield will be reduced to 2 simple platforms. (not sure if that includes Sheffield)

In the latest Sarah Bell Video. (

) , you can actually see 2 decent sized bits of bridge in the compound behind Huddersfield station. And they have another month to build more bits if they want.

2 of existing 4 spans at John William street are just for the sidings. And the metal span on Fitzwilliam street is also for sidings. So if Hillhouse gets connected, thats a load of bridge spans you can take out and don't need to fix right away.

see https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@53.6...try=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDcxMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw==

I suspect we will see a removal and a 2 track replacement during the blockage.

 

[AndyHudds]

Just stood here on platform 8 at Hudderdfield waiting for the 6.03 Hull service and the sidings have started to be lifted.

 

[dodecahedron67]

I read elsewhere that Huddersfield will be reduced to 2 simple platforms. (not sure if that includes Sheffield)

After this first 30 day closure Huddersfield will be two through platforms (where the current P1 and P4 are) and the Sheffield Bay.
They will be re-numbered as 1 (Sheffield Bay), 2 (Current P1) and 3 (Current P4)

 

[Nicholas Lewis]

Colton Junction to Church Fenton Electrification appears to have been authorised for Entry into Service by the ORR:

https://www.orr.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2025-07/network-rail-eastern-region-tru-project-e1-energy-subsystem-authorisation-2025-06-26.pdf

Any idea what level of NR or TOC testing or other works (APCO changes?) is required before TPE start using it?

Presumably not too much because there's a small section that hasn't been authorised:

But good to see the ORR letting the bit that is fine be used rather than the whole thing being held up for a short section at the end.

Presumably NR only applied for what could be bought into service rather than ORR restricting usage?

 

[zwk500]

Presumably NR only applied for what could be bought into service rather than ORR restricting usage?

I don't know, you'd need somebody on the project to advise most likely. The phrasing of 'it is noted' does suggest they weren't asked to rule on that section though.