Media centre

Monday 6 Apr 2020

Network Rail extends public consultation period on major upgrade to railway in West Yorkshire

Region & Route:

Eastern

Network Rail has extended the public consultation period in which residents and passengers can provide feedback on proposals to upgrade the railway between Huddersfield and Westtown (Dewsbury) until Thursday, 30 April.

The proposals are part of the Transpennine Upgrade, which would see the route between York and Manchester via Leeds and Huddersfield vastly improved, creating a more modern and reliable railway and better connections across the North.

This is the second stage of consultation on this part of the project and Network Rail had planned a series of public events about the proposals, however, these have been cancelled in line with government guidance on Covid-19. To make sure that everyone has enough time to review the proposals, the deadline has been extended by almost three weeks.

The proposals which Network Rail is seeking feedback on include the redevelopment of both Deighton and Ravensthorpe stations, the replacement of the bridge on Colne Bridge Road and the replacement of John William Street bridge.

Residents and passengers are encouraged to view the proposals and provide feedback online by visiting www.networkrail.co.uk/TranspennineEngagement. Alternatively, they can call Network Rail’s National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Chris Montgomery, Major Programmes Director for Network Rail, said: “As the planned events have been cancelled due to Covid-19, we want to make sure that everyone has enough time to review our proposals and provide feedback on this section of the Transpennine Upgrade, which is why we have extended the public consultation period.

“This feedback is really important to us, so we would encourage residents and passengers to visit the online portal or call our helpline and have their say.”

ENDS