Network Rail has published plans for major upgrades to the railway between Huddersfield and Westtown (Dewsbury) and is now inviting public comment.
The plans, which include electrifying the eight mile stretch and doubling the number of railway tracks from two to four, would bring a more modern and reliable railway for passengers, allow more trains to run and better connect the region. Improvement work is also planned at Huddersfield, Deighton, Mirfield and Ravensthorpe stations.
The proposals are part of the wider Transpennine Route Upgrade, which will transform journeys between York and Manchester via Leeds and Huddersfield.
Following two phases of consultation for the scheme in autumn 2019 and spring 2020, Network Rail now want to give the public a final opportunity to view the plans and see how they have developed. Residents and passengers are encouraged to view the plans online by visiting: www.networkrail.co.uk/TranspennineEngagement. They will be available from Monday 5 October until early 2021.
Matt Rice, route director for Network Rail’s North and East route, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for residents and passengers to see our developed proposals to upgrade the railway between Huddersfield and Westtown (Dewsbury).
“This major improvement work would allow more trains to run, to meet future demand and provide better connections across the region for passengers.
“As we had to cancel our face-to-face drop-in events in March, due to the COVID-19 lockdown, we understand how important it is for people to have chance to view the proposals. To keep everyone safe, we need to limit the number of people attending these events so we’re asking people to view the plans online where possible.”
Main image: Huddersfield station – CREDIT Richard Harvey
