Media centre

Monday 21 Oct 2019

West Yorkshire residents encouraged to submit feedback as public consultation ends this week

Region & Route:

Eastern

Network Rail is reminding residents, passengers and businesses in West Yorkshire that the first stage of public consultation on plans to upgrade the railway between Huddersfield and Westtown (Dewsbury) ends this week.

The plans to improve this eight mile stretch of railway are part of the Transpennine Upgrade, which will bring a reliable and modern railway between York and Manchester via Leeds and Huddersfield, with more services, more seats for passengers and quicker journey times. The proposals include doubling the number of tracks, electrifying this section of the railway, improvements to stations and either the installation of a bridge or a tunnel at Ravensthorpe.

The first stage of consultation began on Monday, 9 September and, since this time, Network Rail has held nine public information events for those wishing to find out more about the plans and to provide feedback.

All of these events have now been held, however people can still submit their feedback via an online form until Friday, 25 October. This can be accessed at networkrail.co.uk/transpennineengagement and then clicking on the consultation portal.

Kieran Dunkin, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail, said: “Firstly, we would like to thank all those who have come to our events and submitted their feedback.

“We would encourage anyone who hasn’t provided feedback yet do so as this is a fantastic opportunity to have your say on our plans to improve the railway in your area which would better connect key cities, towns and communities across the North.”

Once this first phase of public consultation closes, Network Rail will collate all feedback received, this will help further develop proposals. A second round of public engagement will be held in spring 2020, presenting the latest proposals. 

ENDS