Major strides have been made on the multi-billion-pound railway project designed to revolutionise travel across the North of England, according to its leadership.
Huddersfield Station: A Hub of Transformation
The historic Huddersfield Railway Station has been a focal point for the ambitious upgrade programme. In a significant engineering feat during September 2025, the station underwent a critical 30-day closure. Teams worked around the clock to install new bridge beams on the viaduct, reconfigure platforms, and carry out essential track and signalling work.
This intense phase was crucial for improving reliability and future-proofing the station for longer trains. The broader £70 million refurbishment of the station is ongoing and is scheduled for completion in early 2027. The final result will feature extended platforms, a new layout, a modern footbridge, and a restored roof lantern.
Electrification and New Facilities Power Ahead
Electrification of the 70-mile route is a cornerstone of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), promising greener and more modern rail services. A key milestone was reached in August 2025, when a quarter of the route between York and Church Fenton became electrified. This section joins the already electrified line between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge.
Further boosting the region's rail infrastructure, a new £46 million train maintenance centre opened at the Hillhouse depot in Huddersfield during October 2025. This facility is dedicated to keeping trains running smoothly for passengers across Yorkshire.
Investing in People and Regional Growth
The project's scale is reflected in its workforce. By the end of 2025, over 5,000 people were employed on the TRU. The programme has also prioritised skills development, with over 10,000 individuals trained at its dedicated safety centre and nearly 450 apprenticeships filled.
James Richardson, Managing Director for the Transpennine Route Upgrade, stated: "This year has produced so many achievements. Our work will not just improve journey times and reliability, but better connect towns and cities across the North." He emphasised the project's role as a key enabler for regional economic growth, expressing optimism for continued success in 2026.
The overarching goal of the TRU remains to deliver faster, more frequent, and more sustainable rail journeys connecting Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York, strengthening the economic fabric of the North.
