Rail travel disrupted between Huddersfield and Leeds
BBCMajor improvement works are due to begin on the Transpennine railway route - meaning significant disruption for passengers travelling between Huddersfield and Leeds.
Engineering work is due to start on 2 May and last until 25 May, as Network Rail works to renew track and improve stations, with a further phase running between 30 May and 27 June.
Here's all you need to know about what work is being carried out and how it will affect your travel plans.
What are the engineering works for?
The work is part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) - a major modernisation project aimed at transforming train services across the north of England.
Network Rail say 3.8 miles (6.2km) of track will be renewed and fresh ballast will be laid on the track bed.
Foundations will also be laid to support overhead line equipment, in preparation for electrified services in the future.
In short, the work will cover:
- Track renewals and drainage improvements
- Foundations for future electrification
- Changes to Huddersfield station
- Initial preparation work before improvements at Batley and Dewsbury
Network RailHow will my journey be affected?
Normal timetables will be suspended between 2 and 25 May.
Large sections of the line are closed or severely restricted - with no direct trains between Huddersfield and Leeds. Instead, services will run via Wakefield.
At weekends, replacement buses will be in operation between Huddersfield and Leeds.
Huddersfield station may also be closed to through trains on some weekends.
Network Rail said Brighouse station will act as a key rail and bus interchange during the works.
Customers are advised to check with their train operator before they travel, as journey times will change and replacement buses may be required for part or all of their journey.
Will my journey take longer?
Network Rail is advising passengers to allow 20 to 40 extra minutes on weekdays, and 45 to 75 minutes on weekends, depending on bus connections.
Transpennine Route UpgradeWill there be more works to come?
A further phase of upgrades will take place from Saturday 30 May to Saturday 27 June, focusing on Batley and Dewsbury.
Once complete, Batley station will reopen with new lifts, meaning step-free access for the first time, alongside improved facilities and longer platforms.
Work will continue at Huddersfield station on weekends throughout this period, including platform remodelling, subway excavations and the construction of a new staircase and footbridge.
The refurbishment of the station's roof will also continue as part of its wider transformation, which is due for completion in early 2027.
What do Network Rail say?
Andrew Allwright, TRU Programme Delivery Lead for Northern, said: "The Transpennine Route Upgrade continues to make lots of progress between Huddersfield and Leeds, delivering a once in a generation upgrade for our customers.
"We've already seen key milestones delivered such as a brand new station at Morley and a remodelled, fully accessible, station at Mirfield.
"Throughout May and June, more work will take place between Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Leeds, which will mean changes to services.
"We've worked collaboratively with colleagues at TransPennine Express to plan for these works and limit disruption for customers.
"We advise everyone planning to travel in May and June to check beforehand at nationalrail.co.uk, as amended timetables will be in operation, including rail replacement buses for some routes."
Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
