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Monday 13 Feb 2023

Transpennine Route Upgrade thanks passengers after Morley station upgrade

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: North & East

Nine days of major work to transform Morley station are now complete, allowing trains to run between Leeds and Huddersfield from this morning (Monday 13 February).

Engineers have worked around the clock to lay the foundations for new, longer platforms, realign the track and complete drainage work, ready for the new accessible station to be built later this year.

The multi-million-pound upgrade will eventually offer passengers faster, more frequent and greener trains with more seats as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade.

Network Rail worked with train operators, Northern and TransPennine Express to keep passengers moving with diversions via Wakefield, and rail replacement buses in place.

Hannah Lomas, Industry Programme Director for Transpennine Route Upgrade said: “I’d like to thank passengers for bearing with us while we completed nine days of major progress at Morley station.

“We’re one step closer to delivering huge benefits for passengers travelling through Morley and between York and Manchester. A new, accessible station with longer platforms and a better track layout will help more people travel on faster, more frequent trains.”

Rail Minister, Huw Merriman said: “Once complete, the brand new, fully accessible Morley Station will completely transform the opportunities for local residents. Just last week, I was able to see for myself the impact these improvements are already having and meet one of the brilliant apprentices who is helping deliver them.

“Under our £96bn Integrated Rail Plan, this upgrade is just one of many taking place along the Transpennine Route and will result in greener, faster and more reliable services for millions of passengers across the North for generations to come.”

The next key piece of work at Morley station is set to take place in June, which will see the old station demolished, ready for the new station to open for passengers later this year.

The Transpennine Route Upgrade is set to revolutionise rail across the north of England by delivering a fully electrified railway between Manchester and York, improving stations along the route and upgrading a number of bridges and level crossings.

ENDS