Transpennine Route Upgrade works progress during Huddersfield rail closure

By Danny BallPublished On: September 29th, 2026Categories: News, Top Stories

Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) teams are progressing major rail infrastructure works in the Huddersfield area during a 16-day railway closure.

The latest phase of work is taking place until Sunday 4 October, ahead of the railway reopening on Monday 5th October.

The programme includes track and drainage renewals, station upgrades, new track installation and overhead line equipment as part of the wider upgrade of the Transpennine route.

Track and station upgrades underway in Huddersfield

During the first week of the closure, TRU teams carried out track and drainage renewal works designed to improve the reliability of rail services through the area.

At Huddersfield station, work has included restoration of the historic roof canopy and an extension to the subway to improve accessibility.

Works are also progressing at Deighton station, where platforms are being extended.

Before the railway reopens, teams will continue with the installation of two new lines of track. The additional lines are intended to increase capacity and allow direct services to overtake stopping services in the future.

Further work at Huddersfield station includes platform extensions and changes to the track layout to support more frequent services and increased seating capacity.

At Deighton station, a new footbridge with lifts is also being installed to provide step-free access.

Overhead line equipment to support railway electrification

The works also include installation of overhead line equipment, which will provide the infrastructure required for future electric train services.

James Richardson, TRU managing director, said: “Huddersfield is one of the most significant sites across the TRU footprint.

“Our work at Huddersfield station and on the wider railway will deliver a once-in-a-generation transformation, that will not only improve connectivity but help drive economic growth and wider investment in the town.

“People can clearly see the progress we’ve made since work started on site in 2023 and the scale of work being undertaken during this ongoing closure, which will pave the way for real benefits for passengers by early 2027.”

£1.9bn economic impact linked to Huddersfield rail investment

A Network Rail-commissioned study found that planning applications within 1.5 miles of Huddersfield station have increased by nearly 33% since TRU funding was confirmed in 2020.

The study estimates that the programme could generate £1.9bn in gross value added, create nearly 5,000 full-time equivalent jobs and support the delivery of almost 1,200 new homes.

New leadership of Kirklees Council recently visited Huddersfield station to view the works and discuss the wider impact of the route upgrade.

Councillor John Hardie, Kirklees Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Transport and Highways, said:

“Rail travel across Kirklees is changing, and it was fantastic to see first-hand the significant work taking place to transform Huddersfield Railway Station into a station for the future.

“This generational investment in our rail infrastructure will strengthen the connections to towns and cities across the north of England, unlocking new opportunities for education, employment, and training for the people of Kirklees.

“The Transpennine Route Upgrade is creating a railway network fit for Kirklees that supports our position as a vibrant, well-connected place to live and work.”