Transpennine Route Upgrade moves forward after a month of major improvement work between Dewsbury and Morley
A month of major improvement work to modernise the railway between Morley and Dewsbury has been completed as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) project.
Work took place over four weeks between May 30 and June 27, when teams completed a number of improvements including renewing more than 5km of track and over 800m of drainage, as well as installing 66 OLE (overhead line equipment) masts and fitting 43 OLE foundations, enabling electric trains to run in the future.
At Batley Station, the customer facilities have been improved and the platforms have been extended.
Improvements at Dewsbury Station include a strengthened footbridge, extended roof canopies and foundations for extended platforms.
Jack Lane bridge in Dewsbury has also been reconstructed. Strengthening works will enable faster and longer trains carrying more customers over the structure.
The transformation of both Dewsbury and Batley stations is now almost finished. Both will offer improved accessibility, extended platforms that can accommodate longer trains with more seats, and enhanced facilities for customers.
Jonathan Hepton, project sponsor for TRU, said: “We’re delighted to have completed this latest series of work safely and on time, thanks to the hard work of our teams and the support of our customers and our communities.
“TRU has made great strides in delivering a more reliable, electrified railway across the Pennines so far this year, with significant station upgrades delivered too.
“By the end of summer, we look forward to unveiling a transformed Batley Station with a brand-new footbridge, lifts and platforms, which will greatly improve step-free access around the station.
“At Dewsbury, we will be introducing better waiting facilities and extended platforms.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to our teams who worked around the clock and throughout the recent very hot weather.”
Liam O’Shaughnessy, TRU programme delivery lead for Northern, said the project has made “great progress” over the last month.
He said: “The investment in both the infrastructure and improving customer facilities, including at Batley Station where improvements will continue this year, will benefit our customers and communities for years to come.
“Working together with partners across the rail industry, we have been able to keep people moving as these works have progressed and we would like to thank everyone for their patience while these works have taken place.”