Public invited to share views on proposed major rail upgrades between Standedge and Gledholt (Huddersfield)

Communities in and around Huddersfield are being invited to have their say on the next phase of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), as plans are unveiled for significant improvements between Standedge and Gledholt.
Date 18.02.26

The proposals form part of the multi-billion-pound programme to modernise the railway between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York, delivering faster, more frequent and greener trains on a better, cleaner and more reliable railway.

Between Standedge and Gledholt (Huddersfield), TRU are proposing a series of upgrades designed to support electrification and increased capacity on the route. These include improvements at Marsden and Slaithwaite stations, the reconstruction of a number of bridges and highways, and the installation of new track, signalling and cabling. Overhead line equipment (OLE) will also be installed to power electric trains through the area. A number of temporary construction compounds are being proposed to support the safe and efficient delivery of the works.

Residents, businesses and stakeholders are now being encouraged to view the plans and provide feedback as part of a public consultation period running from Monday 16 February until Friday 27 March 2026. 

The proposals can be viewed online via a dedicated virtual consultation room at: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/our-work/railway-upgrade-plan/key-projects/transpennine-route-upgrade/standedge-to-gledholt-huddersfield-upgrades/ 

In addition, members of the project team will be available at the following in-person events:

  • Tuesday 24 February 2026, 2:30pm – 6:30pm at Slaithwaite Community Centre, Bank Gate, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, HD7 5DL
  • Thursday 26 February 2026, 2:30pm – 6:30pm at Marsden Mechanics, Peel Street, Marsden, Huddersfield, HD7 6BW

These events will provide an opportunity for the local community to view the proposals in more detail, speak directly with the project team and ask any questions about the plans.

A Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) is required to deliver elements of the proposed scheme. This is a piece of legislation approved by the Secretary of State for Transport, granting permission to carry out the work. 

Following the close of the consultation, all feedback will be carefully considered before Network Rail submits its TWAO application to the Secretary of State later this year. The works included in this consultation represent part of the wider Transpennine Route Upgrade, which continues to progress across the 70-mile route between Manchester and York via Huddersfield and Leeds.

For more information about the programme, visit https://thetrupgrade.co.uk, contact Network Rail’s 24-hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41, or visit www.networkrail.co.uk/contactus.

Notes to editors

The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is a multi-billion-pound railway programme that will transform journeys across the North, better connecting towns and cities like Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York.

TRU fast facts

  • 25% of the route is now electrified, with electric train services now running between Manchester and Stalybridge, and York and Church Fenton
  • Once complete, TRU aims to halve the time lost to delays
  • There are currently 70 worksites across the 70-mile route
  • TRU will deliver:
    • The full electrification of the line
    • Double the amount of tracks in key locations, allowing fast trains to overtake stopping services
    • Implement digital signalling to increase speed and capacity
    • Improve all 23 stations on the route, supporting accessibility
  • TRU has over 5000 staff, with 85% coming from within 40 miles of the route – TRU will have created over 8000 jobs across the duration of the programme
  • TRU is expanding freight provision, opening 15 extra freight paths and widening tunnels so shipping containers can travel between ports on the east and west coasts via rail, removing over 1000 lorries a day from the busy roads across the Pennines

Key milestones to date

  • New station built at Mirfield
  • New station built at Morley
  • Introduction of a fully accessible platform 2 at Castleford station to support diverted services between York and Manchester
  • £100m upgrade of diversionary routes completed ahead of major works across the Transpennine Route, increasing railway resilience
  • Upgrade of Hope Valley line complete, with a second platform built at Dore & Totley, as well as 1km of additional track at Bamford to reduce bottlenecks