Transpennine Route Upgrade and Electrification updates

[edwin_m]

Regarding wiring Standedge & Morley tunnels if its going to cost a fortune why not purchase Bi-mode electric units for the line, main power taken from overhead, but during the tunnel sections run on battery power, TPE fitted a 802 with batteries and it was a success

Even if it was requried, a track lower isn't that difficult a job though. But even at Farnworth, where they needed to rebore the tunnel completely, it was judged better to do that than to have a tiny gap in otherwise continuous OLE.

Discontinuous electrification as a concept is best aligned to what Scotland are doing on the Fife Circle - having approximately equal length sections of electrified and non-electrified track as part of a comprehensive BEMU local service that can operate as a cohesive whole.

This route has potential to carry more freight if the economics of road versus rail shift a bit, and if (as I believe is intended) TRU increases the gauge and adds more freight paths. On a hilly and intensively-used route electric operation of freight would be attractive to maximise capacity, but with discontinuous electrification it could only be bi-mode or diesel which would reduce the benefits.

 

[millbrook]

Hi all
Ref Stalybridge to Marsden works
If you have not already seen this then this weblink is towards the initial 'public consultation' which is now closed (I guess a pre requisite to the TWAO/public inquiry?)

https://stalybridgetodiggle.consultation.ai/

It lists interventions between Stalybridge station and Marsden station that will need non railway land to facilitate the works or non railway disruptions (my interpretation).
(Standedge tunnel is not specifically listed as its within the railway boundary - but a compound at diggle is needed for those works)

There are 3 tunnels - Stalybridge, Scout and Standedge
if you really want to search back through this thread it is inferred only scout tunnel needs track lowering for electrification the others appear to be of no concern other than the length of them/number of possessions.
hope it helps
Chris

 

[josh-j]

There are 3 tunnels - Stalybridge, Scout and Standedge
if you really want to search back through this thread it is inferred only scout tunnel needs track lowering for electrification the others appear to be of no concern other than the length of them/number of possessions.
hope it helps
Chris

The consultation does mention lowering the track in both Stalybridge and Scout tunnels. I think Standedge may be in the final part (Marsden to Huddersfield) rather than that proposal?

Anyway for the original question of electrification - Staly and Scout are not all that long. The fact they're proposing to do it implies it is perfectly possible to do so!

 

[millbrook]

Thanks Josh - good point

 

[swt_passenger]

Hi all
Ref Stalybridge to Marsden works
If you have not already seen this then this weblink is towards the initial 'public consultation' which is now closed (I guess a pre requisite to the TWAO/public inquiry?)

https://stalybridgetodiggle.consultation.ai/

Chris

I think when first available there was a live link from the NR page linked in post #8242 back in 2024; and the contents were definitely discussed at the time. But the original linked page no longer includes the ‘virtual display‘ stuff that you’ve found.

 

[sjm77]

Regarding wiring Standedge & Morley tunnels if its going to cost a fortune why not purchase Bi-mode electric units for the line, main power taken from overhead, but during the tunnel sections run on battery power, TPE fitted a 802 with batteries and it was a success

It was just i thought i had regarding the tunnels, as i heard the track bed would have to be lowered through Standedge, true or false? i dont know sorry

You do not need to lower the track in Standedge tunnel just to electrify the current railway, this should be standard knowledge by now. It is specifically the guage enhancement works to W12 guage that will require a lowering of the track bed. And I agree with others who quote the inclusion for hourly heavy freight trains between passenger trains means that discontinuos electrification is not suitable. Imagine joining the Up/Westbound main through a low speed turnout from from the Mardsen loop into Standedge tunnel and the juice disappears! The following TPEx will soon catch it up and the promised time savings will never happen.

 

[GraphitProjekt]

How similar are the requirements for W12 to those of OLE. Is it likely that a gauge clearing project would end up modifying the same structures as you would do for OLE?

 

[swt_passenger]

How similar are the requirements for W12 to those of OLE. Is it likely that a gauge clearing project would end up modifying the same structures as you would do for OLE?

I always think they’re two independent factors really. W12 is the same height as W10, it’s a slightly wider gauge, and is all about the corners of containers, and their clearance required with maximum suspension ‘sway’ at speed. Historically most tunnels and many bridges were arched, but (especially if over two tracks), they would likely be high enough for wires supported from the centreline. But on the other hand a nice wide and flat girder bridge might be good for W12 as built, but not high enough for wires. So a W12 clearance project can be done without it making room for OHLE, and the opposite is also true.

 

[Bald Rick]

I always think they’re two independent factors really. W12 is the same height as W10, it’s a slightly wider gauge, and is all about the corners of containers, and their clearance required with maximum suspension ‘sway’ at speed. Historically most tunnels and many bridges were arched, but (especially if over two tracks), they would likely be high enough for wires supported from the centreline. But on the other hand a nice wide and flat girder bridge might be good for W12 as built, but not high enough for wires. So a W12 clearance project can be done without it making room for OHLE, and the opposite is also true.

Perfect answer, 10/10. Please remember this post for future linking to when the question is asked again (approximately bi-monthly!)

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Indeed.

Perfect answer, 10/10. Please remember this post for future linking to when the question is asked again (approximately bi-monthly!)

 

[Batley Lad]

Re Batley Area.

Works to progress OLE foundations and infrastructure start from Monday 2nd February for three consecutive Monday to Friday night time working weeks.

The area covered is between Morley tunnel and Batley Viaduct.

I’ve attached the below from literature posted to railway neighbours:





I’ve also posted a link to a Utube channel - on track with Tim. This channel provides good drone footage of TRU works and progress.

In the latest video, news for Standedge tunnel and progress at Mirfield station, Baker Viaduct, Ravensthorpe station area and Batley are provided.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 30 Jan 2026 ==

Whoops, here’s the video link:

 

[GRALISTAIR]

So just under a mile. All adds up though.

 

[superkev]

Re Batley Area.

Works to progress OLE foundations and infrastructure start from Monday 2nd February for three consecutive Monday to Friday night time working weeks.

The area covered is between Morley tunnel and Batley Viaduct.

I’ve attached the below from literature posted to railway neighbours:
View attachment 197011


View attachment 197012View attachment 197014

I’ve also posted a link to a Utube channel - on track with Tim. This channel provides good drone footage of TRU works and progress.

In the latest video, news for Standedge tunnel and progress at Mirfield station, Baker Viaduct, Ravensthorpe station area and Batley are provided.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 30 Jan 2026 ==

Whoops, here’s the video link:

Nice to see 2 more spans have been added towards the east end of Baker viaduct. K

 

[Jamesrob637]

Another excellent Sarah Bell video was uploaded yesterday:

 

[Alexd]

Just found out that dates for public consultation events for Gledholt to Standedge have been publicised
Tuesday 24th February 2:30pm to 6:30pm at Slawit community centre
Thursday 26th February 2:30pm to 6:30pm at Marsden Mechanics

There are also a couple of virtual public consultation rooms on their website between Monday 16th February and Friday 27th February

Nice to see progress on this section

 

[Jamesrob637]

I was at Garforth station very briefly on Tuesday but couldn't see more than a few masts.

 

[InOban]

Having completed Church Fenton are they working towards Leeds or have the squad moved to another work area?

 

[YorkshireBear]

Having completed Church Fenton are they working towards Leeds or have the squad moved to another work area?

Church Fenton isn't done wires wise. Some masts not up either. So teams still working there

 

[MboroFC]

Are wires/masts up at Dewsbury yet?

 

[InOban]

Church Fenton isn't done wires wise. Some masts not up either. So teams still working there

Thanks

 

[Harvey10]

Don’t suppose anyone knows if the road bridge at Church Fenton Station requires replacing?
I know the A656 closes next month for the bridge replacement near Micklefield

 

[YorkshireBear]

Don’t suppose anyone knows if the road bridge at Church Fenton Station requires replacing?
I know the A656 closes next month for the bridge replacement near Micklefield

Nope Church Fenton bridge is fine.

 

[Harvey10]

Thank you

 

[Midland Man]

Are wires/masts up at Dewsbury yet?

No

 

[Geeves]

Are wires/masts up at Dewsbury yet?

At one point the loop was being removed but a post year stated the works at Dewsbury now keep the original layout and loop with 200 meter platforms being the major work at that location now. You'd assume the design change has probably let to OHLE alterations too

 

[Midland Man]

Ah that explains why the down platform ends are being extended at each end - work started some months ago but then stopped - which seemed odd if the loop was being removed and platform moved out.

 

[BantamMenace]

I was at Garforth station very briefly on Tuesday but couldn't see more than a few masts.

All the way through East Garforth now has all the gear attached to the masts - to the untrained eye it looks like theres just the wire itself left to be added.

 

[AndrewE]

All the way through East Garforth now has all the gear attached to the masts - to the untrained eye it looks like theres just the wire itself left to be added.

if it's not going to be switched on for a while maybe that is to stop it getting nicked?

 

[Angmering1974]

Network Rail are proposing a number of changes between Standedge and Gledholt, including large upgrades to Marsden and Slaithwaite stations. Virtual consultation with lots of pictures etc here:

https://standedgetogledholt.consultation.ai/

we are proposing a number of upgrades between Standedge and Gledholt (Huddersfield).

This includes changes at Marsden and Slaithwaite Stations, as well as the reconstruction of various bridges and highways, to allow us to install the overhead line
equipment (OLE) and additional tracks that will power faster, cleaner trains through the area.

Marsden

The improvements include:
• A new footbridge with lifts to provide step-free access
between the station entrance and platforms.
• Longer platforms at 150m in length to accommodate
longer trains with more seats for passengers.
• Platform access on all tracks, with the line expanding
from two to three tracks between Marsden and
Huddersfield to enable more frequent services.
• Better local connections and improved drop-off facilities.
• Enhanced passenger facilities, including new shelters,
seating and information screens.
• Additional car parking will be provided.

Slaithwaite
The improvements include:
• A new footbridge with lifts to provide step-free access between the
station entrance and platforms.
• Longer platforms at 150m in length to accommodate longer trains
with more seats for passengers.
• Platform access on all tracks, with the line expanding from two to
three tracks between Marsden and Huddersfield to enable more
frequent services.
• Better local connections and improved drop-off facilities.
• Enhanced passenger facilities, including new shelters, seating and
information screens.
• Additional car parking will be provided.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Partial quote of key bits below.

The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is a major, multi-billion-pound programme of improvements that will transform journeys across the North, better connecting towns and cities through more frequent, faster, greener
trains between Manchester, Leeds and York, running on a better, cleaner and more reliable railway.
To enable this to happen in your area, we are proposing a number of upgrades between Standedge and Gledholt (Huddersfield). This includes changes at Marsden and Slaithwaite Stations, as well as the reconstruction of various bridges
and highways, to allow us to install the overhead line equipment (OLE) and additional tracks that will power faster, cleaner trains through the area.
The map shows the locations of the main proposed essential work in this area affecting bridges and stations.
A summary of what is proposed in each of these locations is provided with this consultation.

We are working with Kirklees Council, Historic England and other stakeholders so we can deliver passenger benefits, whilst respecting the historic integrity of the Grade II listed structures.

Network Rail will apply for listed building consent where the proposed works affect the fabric of
listed structures. Based on current designs, listed building consent is known to be required for works to
the following structures:
• Slaithwaite Viaduct
• Crimble Viaduct
• Golcar New Viaduct
• Milne (Longwood) Viaduct
• Paddock Bridge (Church Street)

Not sure how this looks but here is a map of the scheme.


I thought I would take the opportunity to extract another map from the document/website. This one is just of the temporary construction compounds on the project.