Media centre

Friday 6 Nov 2026

Batley station gets step-free access for the first time following TRU improvement works

Region & Route:

Eastern

Batley station in West Yorkshire has become the latest station to realise the benefits of the Transpennine Route Upgrade, which is transforming journeys across the North through upgraded stations, improved accessibility and a faster, more reliable railway.

A brand-new footbridge with lifts has replaced the old subway feature at Batley, ensuring step-free access between both platforms for the first time.

The work undertaken by TRU follows the completion of similar upgrades at both Morley and Mirfield and forms part of a wider programme of station enhancements, helping more customers travel independently and confidently by rail.

While the new lifts are now open to customers, work continues on the wider station enhancements at Batley. Significant progress was made during a 28-day line closure between Dewsbury and Morley during the summer, which also enabled track renewals and the installation of overhead line equipment to support faster, more reliable and greener rail travel across the route.

Teams are now focused on the next stage of improvements at Batley, including the installation of new waiting shelters, the reopening of the station car park with three new accessible parking spaces and environmental enhancements. This work is expected to be completed during spring 2027.

 

Jonathan Hepton, project sponsor for TRU, said:

“Customers at Batley will now have step-free access at the station for the first time following the construction of a brand-new footbridge with lifts. Improving accessibility across the Transpennine route is a core benefit of the programme, so this is another major milestone for us.

“I’d like to thank our teams who worked around the clock to deliver this, and to our local communities for their support and understanding. We’re pleased that communities will be able to experience the benefits of TRU at Batley and beyond.”

 

Carl Rowland, TRU Customer Lead, said:

"The opening of the new lifts and footbridge at Batley station is a fantastic milestone to celebrate for both Northern and the TRU programme.

"Our customers are now able to enjoy the benefits of an accessible, step-free station at Batley, meaning that they can travel with greater confidence and independence for many years to come.

"I would like to thank our teams for their ongoing work to transform the station and to our customers for their patience while works have been carried out. The team are looking forward to continuing the improvement works at Batley Station over the coming months and delivering further accessibility improvements at other stations across the TRU route."

 

Gwen Lowe from the Friends of Batley station said:

"This is a fantastic improvement for Batley station and the wider community. Step-free access will make a real difference for many passengers, helping ensure the railway is accessible and welcoming to everyone. We’re pleased to see this investment delivered and look forward to the wider station improvements being completed."