Media centre

Friday 2 Oct 2020

Network Rail invites people to view online plans for major railway upgrade in West Yorkshire

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: North & East

Network Rail is inviting residents in the Huddersfield area and across the wider region to view the latest online proposals for major upgrades to the railway between Huddersfield and Westtown (Dewsbury).

The plans include electrifying the eight mile stretch and doubling the number of railway tracks from two to four. This work would bring a more modern and reliable railway for passengers, allow more trains to run and better connect the region. Improvement work is also planned at Huddersfield, Deighton, Mirfield and Ravensthorpe stations.

These proposals are part of the wider Transpennine Route Upgrade, which will transform journeys between York and Manchester via Leeds and Huddersfield.

Following two phases of consultation for the scheme in autumn 2019 and spring 2020, Network Rail now want to give the public a final opportunity to view the plans and see how they have developed.

Residents and passengers are encouraged to view the plans online by visiting: www.networkrail.co.uk/TranspennineEngagement. They will be available from Monday 5 October until early 2021.

However, for those who cannot access the online plans, information events will also be held at Huddersfield Town football club on the following dates:

• Monday 5 October, 12:00 to 19:00
• Tuesday 6 October, 12:00 to 19:00
• Tuesday 13 October, 12:00 to 19:00
• Saturday 17 October, 10:00 to 16:00

Network Rail is reminding people who would like to attend one of the events that they must wear a face covering inside the venue, unless they are exempt, and keep two metres apart. The events are taking place in line with the latest Government guidelines and may be cancelled if further restrictions are introduced.

Parking is available outside the stadium in the Town Avenue car park. Depending on the number of people attending, you may need to wait outside of the venue.

Matt Rice, Route Director for Network Rail’s North and East route, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for residents and passengers to see our developed proposals to upgrade the railway between Huddersfield and Westtown (Dewsbury).

“This major improvement work would allow more trains to run, to meet future demand and provide better connections across the region for passengers.

“As we had to cancel our face-to-face drop-in events in March, due to the COVID-19 lockdown, we understand how important it is for people to have chance to view the proposals. To keep everyone safe, we need to limit the number of people attending these events so we’re asking people to view the plans online where possible.”

ENDS