Another major milestone has been reached on the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) project, as a new viaduct crosses the river in Ravensthorpe.

The newly built Baker Viaduct now spans the River Calder, after the penultimate pair of beams were installed on Wednesday (July 29), connecting the structural steelwork either side of the water.

The 350m long, 2,400-tonne viaduct now spans two waterways after crossing the Calder and Ribble Navigation Canal last year, and forms a crucial part of TRU work at the programme’s Ravensthorpe site, which is one of the biggest civil engineering sites in the country.

The viaduct will be connected to a newly built grade-separated flyover to accommodate new rail alignments with four tracks, allowing direct services to overtake stopping services and reduce journey times across the route.

To mark the occasion, TRU welcomed a number of representatives from Kirklees Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority to have a first look at the new structure in Ravensthorpe.

placeholder image — To mark the occasion, TRU welcomed a number of representatives from Kirklees Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority to have a first look at the new structure in Ravensthorpe.

To connect the railway between the viaduct and the flyover, approximately 130,000 cubic metres of material was placed for earthwork structures such as embankments and retaining walls in 2025, with a similar volume expected to be placed throughout 2026.

In addition to the track realignment works, the TRU team is also building a new Ravensthorpe station 200m west of its original location, to allow passengers in the future to access services to both Leeds and Wakefield.

Adam Bunce, senior project manager for TRU, said: “Baker Viaduct now spanning the River Calder is a significant milestone for TRU. This is an impressive feat of engineering and we’re really proud of everyone across our teams who have made it possible.

“When completed, Baker Viaduct will unlock faster, more reliable services for customers in the North.

Beams being installed at Baker Viaduct over the River Calder.

“Work is also progressing well on the new Ravensthorpe station which, when re-opened in 2028, will have a footbridge with lifts for step-free access, a new forecourt area and drop-off facilities, and new, extended island platforms so longer trains with more seats can stop there.

“Overhead line equipment (OLE) will also be installed throughout the area to power greener, electrified services.”

The TRU delivery team comprises of a number of contractor companies, including BAM Nuttall and Severfield, who played a key role in the work on Baker Viaduct.

Gareth Day, projects associate director for Severfield, said: “Today’s lift is the penultimate and 31st installation lift of the Baker Viaduct and follows over sixty offline assembly lifts since we started on site last September.

The 350m long, 2,400-tonne viaduct now spans two waterways.

“Installing the final drop-in span is a very proud achievement for the Severfield Bridge team. 3D modelling of the structure started back in 2024, so the final lifts on site this week mark nearly two years of meticulous planning and engineering to successfully fabricate, deliver and install the 2,400t viaduct.”

To mark the occasion, TRU welcomed a number of representatives from Kirklees Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority to have a first look at the new structure.

Coun Eleanor Thomson, Weaver Network Board deputy chair, said: “The Transpennine Route Upgrade is a huge investment into our region.

“It was fantastic to see this feat of engineering slot into place – this kind of new infrastructure will lead to quicker, more reliable journeys and greater capacity for passenger and freight services, as well as boosting our economy.

“Better rail services will play a key role in our Weaver Network – a new, joined-up transport network for a better-connected West Yorkshire.”