Engineers have completed a series of significant railway upgrades between Manchester, Huddersfield and Leeds after seven consecutive weekends of work as part of the multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU).

The programme, which finished on Sunday (August 17), saw major structural improvements delivered across West Yorkshire. These included progress on the reconstruction of the A62 Leeds Road bridge in Deighton and the installation of a new bridge deck at Station Road bridge in Mirfield, where a 450ft crane was used to lift beams into place.

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The A62 Leeds Road bridge is being rebuilt to be taller and wider, creating space for overhead line equipment (OLE) to power future electric trains and enabling the railway to expand from two to four tracks. This will allow faster trains to overtake slower ones, reducing journey times across the region.

At Mirfield, the installation of a new bridge deck at Station Road has strengthened the structure and extended its lifespan. The upgrade will also support the lengthening of the station platform, making it possible for longer trains with more seats to stop there.

Track renewal works were also carried out between Stalybridge, Huddersfield and Dewsbury, improving the reliability and smoothness of journeys.

Meanwhile, work progressed on foundations for OLE masts, part of efforts to deliver a greener railway. This follows the introduction of electric passenger services between York and Church Fenton, which means a quarter of the Transpennine route is now electrified.