A 28-day programme of upgrades on the Transpennine Route between Morley and Dewsbury has been completed, taking the project a step closer to delivering faster, more frequent services on a more reliable and greener railway across the North.

Running from Saturday 30 May to Saturday 27 June, the works delivered more than 5km of new track and over 800m of drainage to boost reliability; 66 new overhead line equipment (OLE) masts and 43 OLE foundations to support future electrification; customer facility upgrades and platform extensions at Batley; a strengthened footbridge, longer roof canopies and foundations for extended platforms at Dewsbury; and the reconstruction of Jack Lane bridge in Dewsbury to allow faster, longer trains to run.

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The transformations at both Batley and Dewsbury stations are now close to completion, with improved accessibility, extended platforms for longer trains with more seats, and enhanced facilities for customers.

Jonathan Hepton, project sponsor for TRU, said: "We're delighted to have completed this latest series of work safely and on time, thanks to the hard work of our teams and the support of our customers and our communities. TRU has made great strides in delivering a more reliable, electrified railway across the Pennines so far this year, with significant station upgrades delivered, too.

"By the end of summer, we look forward to unveiling a transformed Batley station with a brand-new footbridge, lifts and platforms, which will greatly improve step-free access around the station. At Dewsbury, we will be introducing better waiting facilities and extended platforms.

"I'd like to say a big thank you to our teams who worked around the clock and throughout the recent very hot weather."

Attention now turns to a series of weekend works at Huddersfield station throughout July and August, in preparation for 16 days of improvement works in September. Customers will be kept on the move via diversionary routes and rail replacement buses on the weekends of July 4–5, July 11–12, July 18–19, July 25–26, and August 1–2. Weekday services remain unaffected.