Network Rail engineers are gearing up for a pivotal phase of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), as major works between Huddersfield and Leeds promise faster, greener and more reliable journeys across the North.

Throughout May and June, teams will deliver significant improvements to the busy corridor, beginning with an intensive programme from 2 to 25 May.

Brighouse station will act as a key interchange, allowing passengers to continue travelling via diversionary routes while keeping disruption to a minimum.

A second phase, running from 30 May to 27 June, will focus on Batley and Dewsbury. Both stations will reopen with extended platforms to accommodate longer trains, while Batley will gain step-free access for the first time. Extensive track, drainage and electrification works will also be completed.

Meanwhile, weekend upgrades at Huddersfield station will transform key infrastructure, including new access routes and enhancements to its historic canopy.

During these engineering works, a total of 50,000 tonnes of ballast, 11.5km of track, and 5,515 sleepers are expected to be put in place, helping to create smoother journeys for passengers. Foundations for future electrification will also be installed, marking another step towards a modernised railway.

Passengers are advised to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for travel, as amended rail services and replacement buses will be in operation.

“Significant progress has been made between Huddersfield and Leeds in recent months, and this next series of upgrades will allow us to take another step forward in what is a key stretch of the route and an important enabler for wider TRU plans across the North.

“Our teams will be working around the clock during these two months. I’d like to thank them as well our local communities as we deliver these huge improvements to the railway.”

Sophie Leishman, TRU sponsor.

“We know there is no ideal time to close parts of the railway, and the team is grateful to customers for their patience whilst we complete the next phase of upgrades. These are significant pieces of work which will support wider improvements – customers can look forward to smoother and more reliable journeys, longer platforms and step-free access for the first time at Batley.”

Andrew Allwright, TRU Programme Delivery Lead for Northern.