Multi-billion pound Transpennine Route Upgrade continues

“Vital” work continues on multi-billion Transpennine Route Upgrade

Work to deliver improvements to infrastructure between Manchester and Stalybridge will continue this month as the Transpennine Route Upgrade continues.

Teams from Network Rail will install new trackside columns, renew one mile of track and upgrade the signalling equipment over the next few months.

The Transpennine Route Upgrade has been designed to bring faster, more frequent trains between York and Manchester via Leeds and Huddersfield.

Two bridges in Ashton-under-Lyne – Southampton Street and Granville Street – will also be upgraded by Network Rail. Raising the height of both bridges will eventually allow electric wires to pass beneath them, making way for a cleaner, greener railway in the future.

Sections of the railway will need to be closed to carry out the work safely. Buses and diversions will be in place to keep passengers moving throughout weekends in February, March, April and May – with more work planned for later in the year. Passengers should plan ahead with National Rail Enquiries or their train operator.

Hannah Lomas, principal programme sponsor for Network Rail, said: “These major upgrades will bring us another step closer to delivering a fully electrified, more modern railway for the future. This work is part of the multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade which will bring passengers more frequent, faster, greener trains.

“We’ve worked closely with our train operating colleagues to make sure passengers can still travel to wherever they’re headed, and I’d advise anyone wishing to travel to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journey.”

Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern said: “We are sorry for any disruption during the improvements and our customers can be assured that both Northern and Network Rail will do everything possible to minimise the impact of the work and deliver alternatives that keep people on the move.

“I would like to thank our customers in advance for their patience while this vital work is carried out.”

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