Customers reminded to plan ahead as major TRU improvement works begin this week

Engineers will be working around the clock to deliver: 

• Installation of two new lines of track – this will increase capacity and reduce journey times by allowing direct services to overtake stopping services in the future 
• Track and drainage renewals – this will increase the reliability of services passing through the area 
• Huddersfield station upgrade – a range of works at the station including longer platforms and new track layout to facilitate longer and more frequent trains, restoration of the historic roof canopy, and subway extensions for improved accessibility 
• Deighton station upgrade – installing a new footbridge with lifts for step-free access upon reopening, with new, extended platforms 
• A62 Leeds Road Bridge preparation work – the bridge will be demolished and reconstructed at a later date to make it taller and wider so there is space to install overhead line equipment, which will power greener, electrified services in the future
• Signalling installation and recovery – this will improve the reliability of services 

The improvements set for this stretch of railway form a key part of the wider TRU programme, which is modernising the railway between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York to provide better journeys for customers and better connections for communities across the North.  

To facilitate this series of improvement work, Huddersfield and Slaithwaite stations will be closed from Saturday 19 September until Sunday 4 October, reopening on Monday 5 October.  

The railway between Stalybridge and Mirfield will also be affected during this period, with buses replacing trains at Mossley, Greenfield and Marsden stations on the weekends of 19-20 September and 3-4 October.  

Customers will be kept on the move via diversionary routes and rail replacement buses, and are advised to check before they travel at nationalrail.co.uk or with their train operator, as amended timetables will be in operation and journey times may change. 

Sophie Leishman, TRU sponsor, said: 

“Our latest series of improvement works will take customers a step closer to faster, more frequent services as work on doubling the number of tracks from two to four through the area ramps up. The huge transformation of both Huddersfield and Deighton stations is also progressing strongly, with the main works at Huddersfield set for completion in early 2027.

“I’d like to thank customers for their understanding as we deliver these vital upgrades.” 

Liam O’Shaughnessy, TRU Programme Delivery Lead for Northern, said: 

“During these works, both Northern and TransPennine Express services will be affected. From 19 September – 2 October, Northern services between Huddersfield and Sheffield will be unable to run between Huddersfield and Lockwood. From 3 – 4 October, due to other improvement works taking place in the Barnsley area, trains will be unable to run between Huddersfield and Barnsley. Replacement buses will be in operation to help customers complete their journeys throughout these works. 

“To keep customers on trains as much as possible, TransPennine Express services will be diverted between Leeds and Manchester with rail replacement buses connecting customers from Huddersfield to Brighouse for onward rail connections.  

“To ensure the safety of customers, the car park at Brighouse Station will be closed to most customers. Alternative parking for customers using Brighouse station will be available locally in marked on-street parking bays, or at nearby public facilities. Blue badge holders will continue to have access to designated spaces at Brighouse station car park.”