For nine days engineers on Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) have worked around the clock, bringing passengers closer to a fully accessible station.
From 17 June to 25 June, engineers completed a number of major upgrades at Morley Station which included the construction of new platforms, the initiation of old platform demolition, a full signalling recontrol to Network Rail’s York Rail Operating Centre and the installation of a brand-new footbridge.
Despite challenging weather conditions and soaring temperatures, the next phase of upgrades was successfully completed on time, with the railway re-opened earlier this morning.
Sarah Thompson, Sponsor for Transpennine Route Upgrade said: “I want to say a big thank you to passengers for bearing with us over the last nine days as our engineers completed these major upgrades at Morley station.
“We understand that there is no right time to complete work that impacts rail travel, so really appreciate the patience and support of passengers while it has taken place.
“Despite the very warm weather, our engineers have made great progress and we’re really excited to officially open the station later this year.”
While the railway was closed, work also took place in Batley where a new footbridge, which will replace Lady Anne level crossing, was opened to the public. The new footbridge will improve safety as it stops the need for anybody to have direct contact with the railway. The footbridge, which is just under 40 metres in length was installed in May and has been carefully designed to blend into the surrounding environment.
Tony Baxter, regional director for the east at Northern, said: “We’re really grateful for the patience of all of our customers over the past nine days whilst work has been taking place to rebuild Morley station. We know that this work has been disruptive, but we’re delighted to be able to welcome our customers back on board our trains.
“Though it’s been a case of some ‘short term pain for long term gain’, when the new station opens fully later this year, the improved accessibility it will deliver will be absolutely transformational for our customers and the wider community.”
Once complete, the upgrades at Morley Station will not only enhance the overall aesthetics but also improve passenger experience. The extended platforms will allow longer trains with more seats to stop at the station, while the new lifts and footbridge will provide increased accessibility for everybody.
Chris Nutton, major projects director for TransPennine Express, said, “It’s fantastic to see the significant upgrade work at Morley station completed, which will provide long-term benefits for customers, at Morley and right across the region as part of the TRU programme.
“I would like to thank customers for their cooperation whilst the important construction work took 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.
Photo credit: Network Rail
