Network Rail has announced that a new, fully accessible station is set to open in Morley, Leeds in summer 2023 to make way for longer trains, more seats, and better journeys as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade.
As a multi-million-pound investment, the new station will boast longer platforms to provide space for faster, more frequent, greener trains with more seats available for passengers travelling between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York.
The new, remodelled station will sit 75 metres away from the existing station and be fully accessible, with a footbridge and lifts connecting the two platforms.
Moving the station opens up opportunities to transform the platforms and track layout while installing the overhead wires needed to power electric and hybrid trains in the future. It also means that the current station can largely remain open for passengers whilst the new one is built.
Rob McIntosh, Managing Director for Network Rail’s Eastern region said: “A brand-new fully accessible station in Morley will reinvigorate rail in the area and unlock better connections to jobs, events, and opportunities between Manchester and York for many more people.
“It’s just one element of a massive, multi-billion-pound programme of improvements we’re delivering across the north to create a faster, greener railway that people can confidently rely on to get them where they need to be, on time.”
To complete a key section of this work safely, this part of the railway will be closed from Saturday 31 December until Monday 2 January (inclusive). There will be changes to services between Leeds and Huddersfield with bus replacements and diversions in place. Passengers can find the latest travel advice at National Rail Enquiries.
There will also be eight days of service changes between Saturday 4 and Sunday 12 February (inclusive) 2023, while major work to realign the track and install a new platform takes place.
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.
When complete, passengers will be able to enjoy faster, more frequent trains running along a cleaner, greener, more reliable railway.
Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper said: “As the Chancellor rightly set out last week, delivering core Northern Powerhouse Rail is essential if we’re going to drive investment, grow the economy and unlock potential across the North of England.
“The Transpennine Route and Morley Station upgrades embodies this and our multibillion pound investment will pave the way for first-rate connectivity including more frequent, faster and greener trains running on a more reliable railway.”
Photo credit: Network Rail
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