wellhouse
Member
With Public Consultation now under way for this scheme, it deserves a dedicated Thread away from general discussion on the entire Transpennine Upgrade. As and when further schemes are announced, they might also deserve dedicated Threads.
Some of the info below is already buried in that thread, so forgive me for repeating it.
The consultation website currently shows only a Route Overview, but with the exception of Huddersfield Station, the graphics on display at the Public Drop-In Events showing more detail of each section of the scheme have yet to be uploaded. Apparently there is a problem with the size of the files, but they are promised to be available very soon.
https://consultations.networkrail.co.uk/communications/huddersfield-to-westtown-dewsbury/
Much is yet to be determined, so the published plans are far from definitive. Conversation with the Network Rail staff established the following;
It is quite remarkable that that ‘Improvement to rail services’ or ‘Benefits to passengers’ are not even suggested as possible important issues.
Since the proposals are so far from finalised, I urge all with an interest in improved Transpennine and local services to participate in this Public Consultation, and, perhaps, share their submissions here.
Some of the info below is already buried in that thread, so forgive me for repeating it.
The consultation website currently shows only a Route Overview, but with the exception of Huddersfield Station, the graphics on display at the Public Drop-In Events showing more detail of each section of the scheme have yet to be uploaded. Apparently there is a problem with the size of the files, but they are promised to be available very soon.
https://consultations.networkrail.co.uk/communications/huddersfield-to-westtown-dewsbury/
Much is yet to be determined, so the published plans are far from definitive. Conversation with the Network Rail staff established the following;
OUTLINE SCHEDULE
January 2020 Phase 2 Public Consultation
Autumn 2020 Submission of Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) Application
Spring 2021 Potential Public Enquiry
Winter 2021 Secretary Of State decision on TWAO Application
2022 Start On Site (subject to TWAO Consent)
Modern Railways readers will be familiar with Captain Deltic's Third Law of Informed Sources: - "Always mistrust schedules based on the seasons"
Phasing of the works has not yet been considered, so specific predictions of blockades, bustitution, Huddersfield reversals and diversions are idle speculation at this stage.
BENEFITS
The aim is to provide resilient and reliable capacity for 6 Fast Trains per hour, and to support the existing level of local services and an hourly freight path. It was noteworthy that the Network Rail representatives were not too familiar with the existing service pattern. 2 tph between Huddersfield and Leeds was mentioned, but it was unclear whether these included the existing service via Halifax and Bradford or a second service via Dewsbury. Stopping services towards Manchester and Leeds are still expected to terminate at Huddersfield.
Although the literature cites ‘improving journey times’, any time savings will be incidental. It also cites ‘more frequent trains’, but any improvement seems to be limited to fast services, since no additional capacity is offered towards Brighouse or Wakefield.
LAND ACQUISITION
Most of the scheme is confined to existing Network Rail Land, but it is proposed to acquire some land to the south between Bradley Junction and Heaton Lodge Junction to ease the radius of the fast lines.
HUDDERSFIELD STATION
The track and platform plan shown is far from final and carries no platform numbers for reference, but it shows (from south to north)
Existing Platform 2 for Penistone Line, with single track running through reopened bore of Huddersfield Tunnel to Springwood Junction, eliminating conflict between Sheffield services and services towards Manchester
Existing Through Platform 1
Existing Island with Existing Through Platforms 4 and 8, and elimination of existing East-facing Bay Platforms 5&6.
New Island with Through Platform and a single East-facing Bay as the northernmost Platform.
It seems clear that the 2 northern through Platforms will be occupied by terminating local services, but there is no indication which, or how many Platforms will have bi-directional signalling. The layout east of the station suggests that the existing Platforms 1 and 4 will serve fast services.
LOCAL STATIONS, FOUR-TRACKING & ELECTRIFICATION
Deighton, Mirfield and Ravensthorpe are all to be rebuilt, with Ravensthorpe relocated westwards to allow local connections towards both Leeds and Wakefield. Rather unsophisticated graphics indicate lifts at each station. While Network Rail are open to collaboration with other stakeholders such as local authorities to improve provision, the only parking improvements in the scheme are a commitment to 3 Blue Badge Spaces at each station.
East of Huddersfield Tunnels the southern pair of tracks will be dedicated to fast Transpennine Services, with local services on the northern pair. The rebuilt Deighton, Mirfield and Ravensthorpe stations will have platforms only on the local lines. All four tracks are to be electrified, with further electrification anticipated to Leeds (but no mention of any further electrification beyond Leeds towards York or Selby, or West towards Standedge)
The overall capacity, together with provision of platforms for local stations only on the slow lines and suggested junctions, appears to restrict options for diversion between fast and slow lines during engineering works.
There is no preferred option for a fly-over or dive-under for grade separation at Thornhill Junction (Ravensthorpe), although thorough surveys have yet to be undertaken. The Consultation invites the Public to express a preference.
PUBLIC CONSULATION OVERVIEW
The focus of the Consultation seems to be aimed very much at residents and businesses who will be affected by the works rather than passengers who will use the improved infrastructure. Question 5 on the Consultation Form asks ‘What is most important to you when considering the development of rail infrastructure projects?’ The options are;
*Residents and the community
*The environment
*The local road network
*Local employment opportunities
*Potential disruption to existing rail services while under construction
*Other
It is quite remarkable that that ‘Improvement to rail services’ or ‘Benefits to passengers’ are not even suggested as possible important issues.
Since the proposals are so far from finalised, I urge all with an interest in improved Transpennine and local services to participate in this Public Consultation, and, perhaps, share their submissions here.
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