Remodelling of the track layout between platforms 4 & 6 at Leeds Station is set to boost reliability and reduce future unplanned disruption
The weekend of the 30th and 31st of October saw Network Rail complete the latest phase of improvements, with teams installing new overhead wires, undertaking preparation work for the installation of signalling cables and for the building of the new track crossover.
The next stage of the project will begin during the early hours of Saturday, the 25th of December and before the first train service on Tuesday, the 4th of January 2022.
This stage will see the lifting, replacement and alteration of the track, replacement of ballast, which are the stones which support the track, with an aim to bring smoother and more reliable journeys for passengers.
Further work will also be carried out during this phase of the project to install new overhead wires, make improvements to platform 6 and also check that the overhead line equipment and the platform aligns with the new track.
After this work is complete, new signalling equipment will be both installed and tested, with work also undertaken to extend platform 7, which will allow for longer trains with extra seating for passengers.
Due to the ongoing work required for this project, passengers are being advised to check their travel plans ahead with the engineering work will affecting services from Monday the 27th of December to Monday the 3rd of January 2022.
Christmas Day and Boxing Day as usual will feature no timetabled services for this part of the railway. Network Rail is using this quiet time to move forward the complex project with work being planned to create as little disruption as possible.
As well as the work taking place over the Christmas period, additional changes to services between Leeds and Huddersfield will be in place on Sunday the 7th of November with essential signalling upgrades being carried out.
Changes to services at Leeds station are as follows:
Sunday the 7th of November:
- Buses will replace TransPennine Express services between Leeds and Huddersfield. There will be a direct service, an additional service which will run via Dewsbury, and a service which will call at all stations on the route.
- Northern will continue to run trains between Huddersfield and Leeds via Bradford, but services are expected to be busy. Trains will also connect passengers between Manchester Victoria and Leeds, via Bradford.
Saturday the 25th to Sunday the 26th of December:
- Major progress will be made when no trains are timetabled to run on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Monday the 27th of December 2021 to Saturday the 1st of January 2022:
- A reduced train service will run in and out of Leeds station. Some bus replacements will be in place.
2nd of January 2022:
- Very limited train services will run to and from Leeds. Bus replacements will be in place for passengers.
3rd of January 2022:
- A reduced train service will run in and out of Leeds station. Some bus replacements will be in place.
Passengers are advised to check their journey using National Rail Enquiries or via their train operator and allowing for plenty of time.
Matt Rice, North and East Route Director for Network Rail, said:
“With no trains on Christmas Day or Boxing Day, our teams will be working around-the-clock on the main stage of the project to remodel the track between platforms 4 and 6. This upgrade will bring more reliable services for passengers and reduce the impact of delays.
“This does mean there are some changes to services after Christmas, with buses in place to keep people moving. I want to thank passengers for their continued patience and ask anyone who plans to travel over the Christmas period to check their journey, plan ahead and allow plenty of time.”
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Maybe Network Rail should continue with the electrification from Church Fenton to Neville Hill Leeds. So that electric and bi-mode trains can run between Leeds and York fully on electric.