Transpennine Route Upgrade and Electrification updates

[swt_passenger]

Re Baker viaduct Ravensthirpe.
Good progress now most of the concrete supports look to be in place.
Latest Flickr images from Robert Stenhouse show 3 spans over the Calder and Hebble navigation have been lifted into place. 2 more spans and a huge crane are parked nearby.
K

Link to Robert Stenhouse’s Flickr stream:

Baker Viaduct 26.10.25

Update on viaduct progress 26.10.25, where it will cross Calder & Hebble Navigation.

flic.kr

 

[D6130]

Could someone please refresh my ageing memory as to why it's called the Baker Viaduct ?

 

[jfollows]

Transpennine Route Upgrade and Electrification updates

Let’s see if the Transport Secretary that Liz or Rishi appoint will have the appetite for repeatedly renouncing projects such as TRU that Grant Schnapps has. One thing about TRU interfacing with NPR is that it creates the dilemma of how the existing and proposed stations between Huddersfield...

www.railforums.co.uk

The latest issues of both RAIL and Modern Railways have items confirming Bald Rick's reply in post #4695 to my query #4694. The proposed Baker viaduct etc are named after the late Stuart Baker of Rail Atlas fame.

Post #5826 above.

 

[D6130]

Transpennine Route Upgrade and Electrification updates

Let’s see if the Transport Secretary that Liz or Rishi appoint will have the appetite for repeatedly renouncing projects such as TRU that Grant Schnapps has. One thing about TRU interfacing with NPR is that it creates the dilemma of how the existing and proposed stations between Huddersfield...

www.railforums.co.uk

Post #5826 above.

Thanks for the reminder. That post is a long way back up thread!

 

[jfollows]

Thanks for the reminder. That post is a long way back up thread!

I searched for it, I didn’t page back until I found it!

 

[D6130]

I searched for it, I didn’t page back until I found it!

Thanks for that. I have a lot of problems with the search function - especially on my phone.

 

[Geeves]

Could someone please refresh my ageing memory as to why it's called the Baker Viaduct ?

Stuart Baker worked for Network Rail and of course he is the "Stuart Baker" of the UK Rail Atlas fame. I believe he had hand in many things likely TRU upgrade definitely, East West Railway and the class 800 upgrade. You'd imagine it's a nice lasting memory for the folks that knew him

 

[D6130]

Stuart Baker worked for Network Rail and of course he is the "Stuart Baker" of the UK Rail Atlas fame. I believe he had hand in many things likely TRU upgrade definitely, East West Railway and the class 800 upgrade. You'd imagine it's a nice lasting memory for the folks that knew him

Yes....when he was Chief Operating Manager of Regional Railways North-East he rode with me in the cab of a 308 from Skipton to Leeds, round about 1995/96. Nice chap.

 

[Geeves]

Yes....when he was Chief Operating Manager of Regional Railways North-East he rode with me in the cab of a 308 from Skipton to Leeds, round about 1995/96. Nice chap.

That's brilliant! Quality traction too ha.

Really is a great project, even at Victoria alone the speed the 800s can depart up the bank is quite mind bogling. The full journey will be such a massive improvement!

 

[XCTurbostar]

Is the current viaduct a listed structure?

 

[zwk500]

Is the current viaduct a listed structure?

Grade II listed, according to the register: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1183783, as is the one over the River Calder itself: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1313646

Although the new structure probably needed to be separate anyway due to the fact it flies over the slow lines towards Wakefield.

 

[Bald Rick]

Stuart Baker worked for Network Rail and of course he is the "Stuart Baker" of the UK Rail Atlas fame.

Happy to be corrected, but Stuart didn’t ever work for NR. He worked for the SRA and then the DfT.

 

[Cheshire Scot]

Happy to be corrected, but Stuart didn’t ever work for NR. He worked for the SRA and then the DfT.

Yes....when he was Chief Operating Manager of Regional Railways North-East he rode with me in the cab of a 308 from Skipton to Leeds, round about 1995/96. Nice chap.

I'd was going to suggest he must must have worked somewhere in the industry before the SRA was formed in 2001 - shadow in operation from 1999, then I noticed post 9818. He would have had circa 20 years experience before joining the SRA.

 

[Geeves]

Happy to be corrected, but Stuart didn’t ever work for NR. He worked for the SRA and then the DfT.

I'm happy for the correction

I'm assuming all the work at York went to plan?

 

[Edvid]

With all the talk around Baker it's quite fortuitous that an update on the Ravensthorpe works was published today.

Ravensthorpe station to be closed as new station is constructed

From Sunday 14 December until summer 2028, Ravensthorpe station will close as the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) build a new, modernised station 200m west of the current site.

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

Rail replacement bus services between Ravensthorpe and Dewsbury stations will be in operation throughout the closure to keep customers on the move.

The newly-built Ravensthorpe station will have step free-access and a footbridge with lifts, and a new forecourt area with improved drop-off facilities. The construction of a longer island platform will accommodate longer trains with more seats for passengers.

This is part of TRU’s wider work in the area, which will see a new four-track railway installed through the footprint of both the existing station site and new location. This sequencing means the new station cannot be built until the tracks are laid, including the construction of the new Baker Viaduct – both of which will enable faster trains to overtake slower ones, reducing journey times across the North. Overhead line equipment (OLE) that will power electric trains will also be installed.

Work is well underway in the area, known as Ravensthorpe triangle, and is currently one of the biggest civil-engineering sites in the country. Notable work so far includes the installation of concrete beams to form the new Calder Road bridge, the installation of piers for the new Baker Viaduct, and utility diversions on Thornhill Road as part of road and track realignment work.

Andrew Campbell, TRU sponsor, said:

“The closure of Ravensthorpe station marks the beginning of a pivotal phase for TRU and perhaps one of the most significant projects within the programme – the scale of work being undertaken in Ravensthorpe serves as a great indicator of the upgrades that will be delivered here.

“The four-tracking over a brand-new viaduct and through a modernised station means customers will benefit from faster, more reliable journeys across the Pennines with greater capacity.

“We’d like to thank the community for their understanding as we deliver these major upgrades.”

Andrew Allwright, TRU Programme Delivery Lead for Northern, said:

“The work to upgrade Ravensthorpe railway station will support the efforts that the Transpennine Route Upgrade is doing to deliver a fully accessible railway that is fit for the 21st century.

“When Ravensthorpe station closes, from Sunday 14 December until the May timetable change in 2026, Northern will be running a rail replacement service between Ravensthorpe and Dewsbury, connecting to services for a number of destinations, to ensure our customers can continue to travel with as little impact to their journeys as possible.

“We recognise that the work taking place will lead to extended journey times for customers travelling from Ravensthorpe and thank them for their continued patience.”

Notes to Editors​

From Sunday 14 December 2025 until Saturday 16 May 2026, Northern will run an hourly rail replacement bus between Ravensthorpe and Dewsbury. This service will be reviewed ahead of the May 2026 timetable change.

 

[David Bullock]

Travelled from Leeds to Dewsbury for the first time since the two 5 day possessions over the last couple of weeks.

Piling seems to be in pretty consistently from Leeds to dewsbury now - some west of Morley are halfway out the ground, are they having pile rejection issues?

OLE is pretty much all in from Leeds to Morley now, almost looks ready for wires to go in. There was a gap between the old electrification and the new stuff which started around Stourton, piles are now in where that gap was.

 

[Peterthegreat]

I'd was going to suggest he must must have worked somewhere in the industry before the SRA was formed in 2001 - shadow in operation from 1999, then I noticed post 9818. He would have had circa 20 years experience before joining the SRA.

Off topic a bit but to elaborate.
Stuart joined BR in 1977 as a management trainee. He held various operating roles on the Eastern region before joining Intercity East Coast in the late 80s. He went on to join Regional Railways (North East) in the early 90s before moving to the SRA.

 

[hwl]

- some west of Morley are halfway out the ground, are they having pile rejection issues?

Often for NR works there will be a first attempt with vibration (low noise option) but often only works to an intermediate depth and piles get finished off with the noisier hammer piling but the amount of hammer piling has been minimised. They may be waiting for suitable daylight closure opportunity to finish off with hammer.

 

[Ploughman]

I have seen mention somewhere of a proposal to upgrade the A641 which runs through Brighouse and links Bradford with Huddersfield; it is in line for developments which planners have said would make travel along the road easier.

Feedback sought on major West Yorkshire route upgrade plans

Proposals to improve the A641, which runs between Bradford and Huddersfield, have been put forward.

www.bbc.co.uk

A new "greenway" for pedestrians and cyclists could be created as part of the scheme, while a new bridge on Briggate, in Brighouse, has also been mooted.

In addition, new crossings, improved footways, bus priority measures to improve reliability and junction upgrades all form part of the plans.

Calderdale Council said the proposals for the scheme, which is to be funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), had been formed with help of input from previous consultations.

 

[D6130]

I have seen mention somewhere of a proposal too upgrade the A641 which runs through Brighouse and links Bradford with Huddersfield.
It is in line for developments which planners have said would make travel along the road easier.
A new "greenway" for pedestrians and cyclists could be created as part of the scheme, while a new bridge on Briggate, in Brighouse, has also been mooted.
In addition, new crossings, improved footways, bus priority measures to improve reliability and junction upgrades all form part of the plans.
Calderdale Council said the proposals for the scheme, which is to be funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), had been formed with help of input from previous consultations.

I have also seen these proposals on my Google news feed. I wonder whether the new Greenway will follow part of the trackbed of the old "Pickle Bridge" line (Wyke Jn - Anchor Pit Jn via Bailiff Bridge)?

 

[Grumpy]

Just back from an evening trip to Huddersfield, and I have to say... I wish they'd finish the roof. It was heaving down this evening, and the rear three carriages of my 802 weren't under cover. It was also coming through near the entrance, so pretty much the whole of P2 was under water.

Never mind P2, it's going to be a bleak winter for users of P3. The roof hardly covers the platform and should the rain/sleet/snow come down in anything slightly off vertical then passengers will get a good covering. I didn't see any seating on the platform and nowhere to shelter from the cold.

 

[YorksLad12]

Never mind P2, it's going to be a bleak winter for users of P3. The roof hardly covers the platform and should the rain/sleet/snow come down in anything slightly off vertical then passengers will get a good covering. I didn't see any seating on the platform and nowhere to shelter from the cold.

Passed through there this evening. There’s no space for seating on the platform itself because of the scaffolding, except the bit where the stairs are (so it would be a safety issue). I don’t recall much seating on P2 either.

 

[1D53]

There's an awful lot of greenspace adjacent to the new station site.

 

[GraphitProjekt]

what are the track sectioning cabins between Manchester and Leeds? On the eastern side there have been announcements for TSCs at Neville Hill and Micklefield. But I've not seen anything for the western side

 

[Class 170101]

what are the track sectioning cabins between Manchester and Leeds? On the eastern side there have been announcements for TSCs at Neville Hill and Micklefield. But I've not seen anything for the western side

Not sure you will get anything for Stalybridge to Huddersfield just yet isn't that still in the planning stage and a later stage come to that?

 

[Geeves]

what are the track sectioning cabins between Manchester and Leeds? On the eastern side there have been announcements for TSCs at Neville Hill and Micklefield. But I've not seen anything for the western side

The "great extension lead" comes from the substation of the former Heyrod Power on the other side of the tunnel at Stalybridge station so you'd imagine some equipment there? Plus at Ravensthorpe they buried a HV line underground and it passes under the junction/viaduct site Vs over it now for clearance.

 

[GraphitProjekt]

The "great extension lead" comes from the substation of the former Heyrod Power on the other side of the tunnel at Stalybridge station so you'd imagine some equipment there?

In terms of Manchester-Stalybridge. Heyrod feeder (off stalybridge 400kV), i think, supplies the Bolton Line (Ordsall Lane/Miles Platting to Euxton Junction) and also Lostock-Wigan. I guess it has a second feed (not using the cable) that supplies Miles Platting to Stalybridge and in further east in the future. Would appreciate some correction on the above though.

I found some random slideshow about the Telecoms design on W1/W2A which I'm sure is very interesting in it's own right but went totally over my head. But they had a networking diagram including new endpoints at new substations in that area. Miles Platting TSC (which I've seen has a neutral section and sometimes called MPATS), Stalybridge TSC (maybe receives power from Heyrod?), Guide Bridge TSC (probably dates from the 1980s but modified)

Plus at Ravensthorpe they buried a HV line underground and it passes under the junction/viaduct site Vs over it now for clearance.

There's definitely going to be a new feeder station and grid supply point at Ravensthorpe. Been mentioned a few times over the years - I think it'll be another SFC installation like Hambleton

 

[Elecman]

Stalybridge, Guide Bridge and Miles Platting are all brand
new TSCs. Fed from Heyrod Feeder station

 

[millbrook]

Seems some planning notices have been issued in the local free Tameside advertiser newspaper in regards the Stalybridge-Diggle works.
(these are not the full plans just the notification)
Right hand side of this page

TR061125

online.flippingbook.com

...The following listed building consent applications are being made to
Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council:

1. An application for listed building consent in respect of the listed
Heyrod Hall Overbridge (MVL3/7). The proposed works include
the removal and reconstruction of the bridge deck, and partial
reconstruction of the abutments at Heyrod Hall Overbridge
(MVL3/7).
2. An application for listed building consent in respect of the listed
Springbank Lane Footbridge (MVL3/8). The proposed works
include the replacement of the existing copers, minor repair works
and the attachment of parallel flange channel to Springbank Lane
Footbridge (MVL3/8).
3. An application for listed building consent in respect of the listed
Roughtown Road Overbridge (MVL3/17). The proposed works
include the replacement of copers and attachment of overhead
line electrification equipment to Roughtown Road Overbridge
(MVL3/17).

The following listed building consent application is being made to
Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council and Oldham Metropolitan
Borough Council:

4. An application for listed building consent in respect of the listed
Wright’s Mill Overbridge (MVL3/20). The proposed works include
the removal and reconstruction of the bridge deck, and partial
reconstruction of the abutments at Wright’s Mill Overbridge
(MVL3/20).
The following listed building consent applications are being made to
Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council:
5. An application for listed building consent in respect of the listed
Wright’s Overbridge (MVL3/23). The proposed works comprise the
demolition of Wright’s Overbridge (MVL3/23).
6. An application for listed building consent in respect of the listed
Royal George Underbridge (MVL3/25). The proposed works
include the removal and reconstruction of the bridge deck, and
partial reconstruction of the abutments at Royal George
Underbridge (MVL3/25).
7. An application for listed building consent in respect of the listed
Shaw Hall Bank Road Footway (MVL3/26). The proposed works
include bridge deck strengthening of Shaw Hall Bank Road
Footway (MVL3/26).
8. An application for listed building consent in respect of the
listed Oldham Road Overbridge (MVL3/28). The proposed
works include the removal and reconstruction of the bridge
deck, and partial reconstruction of the abutments at Oldham
Road Overbridge (MVL3/28), and construction of an attached
footbridge.
9. An application for listed building consent in respect of the listed
Wickens Underbridge (MVL3/29). The proposed works include
bridge deck strengthening and replacement of handrails to
Wickens Underbridge (MVL3/29).
10. An application for listed building consent in respect of the listed
Uppermill Viaduct (MVL3/31). The proposed works include the
installation of overhead line equipment portals along Uppermill
Viaduct (MVL3/31)...

(page 31 of the November the 6th publication)

 

[John R]

Philip Haigh reported today on X that the Stalybridge to Diggle work is costed at £225m, and further down notes that the Transport & Works Act is now being submitted. Good to see some progress with the "paperwork" at last.

https://x.com/philatrail/status/1986802635207279015

NR has released a cost estimate for Stalybridge-Diggle Transpennine Route Upgrade of £225 million. Just over 7 miles but 10 listed structures. Bill has £109m for electricals (including OLE), £67m for tunnels, bridges and civils, £18m for buildings including new Moseley station.

(Image is of a map taken from the post on X between the two places highlighting where the numerous interventions will be.)