GRALISTAIR
Established Member
Absolutely brilliant news.
the tunnel is not hard, just more arduous and less pleasant working conditions... But at least it (mostly) stays above freezing temperature!Is there any news or plans on the Diggle to Huddersfield section?
I suspect that’s the hard part with the tunnel.
Is there clearance in the tunnel(s) for electrification? I understand the current bore is double track. would that be big enough?the tunnel is not hard, just more arduous and less pleasant working conditions... But at least it (mostly) stays above freezing temperature!
Is it W12 throughout without needing any track lowers?Is there clearance in the tunnel(s) for electrification? I understand the current bore is double track. would that be big enough?
EDIT:
This NR image suggests it is
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the tunnel is not hard, just more arduous and less pleasant working conditions..
That may be true, but my time in tunnels has generally been when things were, or were expected to be, unpleasant - except on planning visits preparing risk assessments...Having done more than my fair share of working in tunnels, I would say the working conditions are usually better than out in the open - especially in the Pennines!
and the extra noise from drilling anchor points into the brick or rock for OLE supports being reflected back off the walls and roofThe worst part is the dust.
Isn't it Stalybridge tunnel (668 yards) and especially Scout tunnel nearby (202 yards) which need to be enlarged for OHLE?Is there clearance in the tunnel(s) for electrification? I understand the current bore is double track. would that be big enough?
and the extra noise from drilling anchor points into the brick or rock for OLE supports being reflected back off the walls and roof
and the (ballast train) diesel exhaust.
Is it me or does £18m seem low for a station estimate? Soham cost that for a single platform.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.
(Image is of a map taken from the post on X between the two places highlighting where the numerous interventions will be.)
View attachment 191938
From driving by and from the plans for Mossley. I don't know how £18M fits, but things that might run in favour of keeping the costs down:Is it me or does £18m seem low for a station estimate? Soham cost that for a single platform.
Presumably there is also a different order of magnitude between the costs of extending existing utility supplies (or redirecting them from the old site to the new on existing railway land) and those of arranging entirely new ones. Will the old car park still be used for the new station - if so, that's something else that doesn't need to be done and paid for. Neither will be the most expensive element of station construction but a collection of "lesser expenses" that don't need to be spent all add up.From driving by and from the plans for Mossley. I don't know how £18M fits, but things that might run in favour of keeping the costs down:
I don't think any new land will be needed. There is existing road access roughly where the new station will be.
The site is next to the existing station. So I presume water and power (and bogs) can be rigged up from existing suppliers to use during construction.
And use the current carpark as a construction yard.
And the work on the station is just one chunk of the whole massive scheme.
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.
(Image is of a map taken from the post on X between the two places highlighting where the numerous interventions will be.)
View attachment 191938
This application seeks approval to grant Network Rail powers in relation to the section of the TransPennine railway line between Stalybridge and Diggle (Saddleworth). These include:
The application includes:
- the construction and operation of works on the railway
- conferring powers to close and replace existing level crossings
- approval for the relocation of Mossley Station
- upgrading Greenfield Station
- the reconstruction of various bridges, tunnels and highway
Application details
The application is being made under the Transport and Works Act 1992.
Published 7 November 2025
- order: Network Rail - Stalybridge to Diggle (Saddleworth) Enhancements
- application status: live application
- date of application: 7 November 2025
- applicant: Network Rail via Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
I think Farnworth tunnel probably still causes some post traumatic stress for some. Very tough job and wouldn't repeat unless 100% necessary with no other options.From the T&W application, it appears the OHLE can be installed in Stalybridge and Scout tunnels by lowering the track rather than by enlarging the tunnel bores.
That's very good news, and avoids the complications of the Farnworth tunnel rebore on the Bolton line.
As well as what has already been mentioned, the planning costs are going to be included in the whole scheme so won't be included in the cost for the stationIs it me or does £18m seem low for a station estimate? Soham cost that for a single platform.
Soham station progress updates
So how much would a second platform actually cost? I dread to think. How many tickets need to be sold to recoup this financial outlay? Don't get me wrong, I'm not against the reopening of stations, I just think more could be opened if the costs were more reasonable. Compared to a housing...www.railforums.co.uk
So are they going back to the old old way? Plumbing the trains from Huddersfield/Brighouse onto P1. With the from Leeds on P2 and the from wakefield on P3.Mirfield P1 re-opens December 27th apparently
I would have thought that once the revamped Mirfield platform 1 is back in service that it'll be 'old way' for the interim. Won't there be some significant track layout and signalling changes required at Heaton Lodge and Mirfield East junction before West-bound services toward Huddersfield/Calder valley can utilise platform 2 at Mirfield?So are they going back to the old old way? Plumbing the trains from Huddersfield/Brighouse onto P1. With the from Leeds on P2 and the from wakefield on P3.
Or the old way. With from Huddersfield/Brighouse on P1. From Leeds and wakefield on P3. And fast from Leeds with no platform.