Transpennine Route Upgrade and Electrification updates

[59CosG95]

So the wires on the stalybridge lines will be completed and will go live over the Christmas and new year period?

That's my guess; I can't guarantee that the wires will be fully complete as there's almost always a few snags to do. I do think that supplies will go live, however - Chrimbo seems like the designated time!

 

[jonesy3001]

That's my guess; I can't guarantee that the wires will be fully complete as there's almost always a few snags to do. I do think that supplies will go live, however - Chrimbo seems like the designated time!

Think geeves said on one of these threads could be before May 2024 timetable change.
Post 17 in this thread.

Northern Class 769 Diagrams

Does anyone have available a listing of Northerns current class 769 diagrams ? Thx in advance

www.railforums.co.uk

 

[snowball]

My copy of the December Modern Railways has arrived, with an item on p.15 saying that the DfT has signed off an item of >£3bn for the TRU, to cover the Hudds-Westtown TWAO works, but has not yet publicly announced it. This answers my question in #7199.

It is said that this means that more than half of the projected overall £9-11bn TRU spend has now been signed off.

Modern Railways understands an expert panel was tasked with ways of reducing the scheme's cost and submitted a report to the DfT earlier this year, but DfT has stalled on implementing the panel's recommendations.

-------------------------------------------
This post will doubtless be automerged.

Press release

Transpennine Route Upgrade set to commence revamp of Huddersfield Station

From the end of November, Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) will commence major upgrades at Huddersfield station, bringing passengers one step closer to a sleek, modern and more accessible station.

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

From the end of November, Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) will commence major upgrades at Huddersfield station, bringing passengers one step closer to a sleek, modern and more accessible station.

The work, which is part of a multi-billion-pound railway programme, will see the waiting rooms and toilet area, previously referred to as the old tearoom, removed.

Whilst these upgrades are required, preserving the rich heritage of this Grade I-listed station is vital. To enable this, engineers will carefully dismantle the waiting room, before taking it off site to be stored. It will later be reinstated as part of the new platforms 3 and 4 layout.

Whilst the waiting room area is out of use, a temporary toilet block will be installed at the Manchester end of platform 4. These toilet facilities will include a fully accessible toilet, with baby changing facilities.

Paul Sumner, Senior Sponsor on the Transpennine Route Upgrade said: “Huddersfield Station is an iconic building and an intrinsic part of West Yorkshire heritage, so whilst this series of improvements are necessary, the restoration and retention of its historic features is of paramount importance.

“That’s why – after an extensive in-depth planning process – the Transpennine Route Upgrade will bring the station up to modern standards in terms of functionality, without harming it’s cultural and traditional significance.”

From early January, engineers will start the restoration of the existing trainshed roof, which is one of only a few remaining ‘Euston roof’ examples on the operational railway today. During this time, the long stay car park will be closed to allow a site compound to be installed.

Chris Nutton, Major Projects Director for TransPennine Express, said: “Huddersfield station will undergo major changes over the next few years, which will enable, faster and more frequent trains to call there and provide better facilities for the millions of passengers who use the station every year.

“We would like to thank our customers in advance for their understanding and patience as we work together with colleagues from Network Rail to transform Huddersfield into a station fit for the 21st century”.

The upcoming station improvement work is part of a wider, more long-term goal of transforming Huddersfield Station with a new layout, longer platforms, a new footbridge and a refurbished roof structure, with restored lantern.

Over three million passengers travelled through Huddersfield Station last year, with that number set to steadily increase. The upgrades at Huddersfield Station will take Transpennine Route Upgrade one step closer to their vision of creating a cleaner, greener, and more reliable railway system that will bring improved connectivity and travel experiences to passengers travelling across the Pennines.
Notes to Editors

Notes to Editors

From late November 2023, TRU will be carrying out work on the waiting room at Huddersfield station, as part of its station upgrade plans. This work will involve installing hoardings around the area and carefully dismantling the structure, with the materials stored for re-instatement at a later date.

From early 2024, TRU will commence preparation work that will enable the station’s trainshed roof to be refurbished. The trainshed roof is one of the few remaining large-scale ‘Euston roof’ examples on the operational railway network today. The TRU project will occupy the long stay car park to set up a site compound. Scaffold towers will be installed along platforms 1 and 4, allowing a work platform to be erected. The work will consist of grit blasting, painting and re-roofing.

 

[61653 HTAFC]

Well there's at least one error in that press release. They describe the station as "Grade I listed", when only the main building and the two annexes containing the pubs are listed at Grade I. The buildings on the island which they're painstakingly dismantling are separately Grade II* listed.

I also hope they'll have the permission and wherewithal to modify the roof as they re-glaze it. Ever since platform 1 was widened in 1989, the ventilation gap from steam days has been in the wrong place directly above the platform edge, resulting in anyone boarding or alighting getting rained on!

 

[josh-j]

The plan is (or at least it was last time I checked) to add a glass lantern to that gap in the main roof. I think it may have had one at some point in the past?

Edit: Yes I think that's still the case - that press release mentions it: "...refurbished roof structure, with restored lantern"

 

[matacaster]

Temporary portaloo toilet now on platform 4, but locked at moment. This is in readiness for removal / refurbishment and reinstatement of wooden victorian grade 2* listed toilet / waiting rooms / cafe block in slightly different place on island platform.

 

[Snow1964]

Update: the TWAO for Copmanthorpe Level Crossing has been submitted today: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/runni...ne-route-upgrade/copmanthorpe-level-crossing/

8.5 months later has been withdrawn

Network Rail has withdrawn its application for this scheme.

Copmanthorpe no. 2 level crossing: Transport and Works Act order

Application to acquire compulsorily land for the construction and maintenance of a new footbridge near Copmanthorpe in the City of York.

www.gov.uk

 

[59CosG95]

8.5 months later has been withdrawn

Copmanthorpe no. 2 level crossing: Transport and Works Act order

Application to acquire compulsorily land for the construction and maintenance of a new footbridge near Copmanthorpe in the City of York.

www.gov.uk

Interesting - I wonder why that could be?

 

[Nottingham59]

Interesting - I wonder why that could be?

Maybe the landowner accepted their offer?

 

[dazzler]

Interesting - I wonder why that could be?

According to an article on the York Mix website (News, etc. from around the York area), it has been withdrawn by Network Rail to allow them to consider the accessibility of the proposed footbridge:

Network Rail said:

Since 2019 we have engaged with the surrounding community and stakeholders developing a solution to enable us to close Copmanthorpe level crossing and divert the existing Public Right of Way via an alternative means of crossing the line. This is to enable faster, quieter, more frequent trains to be introduced as part of the multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade.

We remain confident that our proposed stepped footbridge design would support current users of the crossing, cause the least visual intrusion and environmental impact on the local community and retain the ability for a ramp to be added in future.

However, there were passionate and reasoned objections heard at the Public Inquiry and we have made the choice to withdraw our application at this time. This is not a decision we have taken lightly. Accessibility is important to us and by withdrawing our application now it will provide a further opportunity to evaluate solutions which may be viable and re-assess the benefits of all options. Any alternative design proposal would be subject to consultation and Network Rail progressing with new planning consents.

The Transpennine Route Upgrade between York, Leeds and Manchester is supporting economic growth in the North and delivering real benefits for passengers, communities and freight services along this vital rail artery. We will continue to work with and listen to the local community and other stakeholders along the way.

 

[Brissle Girl]

A great example of why things take too long and cost too much.

“Since 2019 we have engaged with the surrounding community…”

Four years, and no further forward.

 

[Killingworth]

Meanwhile, further south at Hathersage West a footpath has been closed for almost a year to fully install a footbridge that meets the Peak District's aesthetic needs to replace a pedestrian level crossing. It's not ramped and component parts were delivered in the wrong colour. It needs to be painted - when the weather should be warmer than it is at present.

At the 2016 public inquiry CPRE, Ramblers and the Peak Park offered no serious objections to rerouting or closure of the footpath. However an objector showed the path was there before the railway and the footbridge was agreed to avoid more formalities. The irony is that after a year walkers are diverting anyway, but historic paths have to be preserved.

 

[coxxy]

And that same foot crossing that has been closed for almost a year- still has Whistle boards on approach. Drivers are literally having to whistle at a new footbridge every time they pass...

Meanwhile, further south at Hathersage West a footpath has been closed for almost a year to fully install a footbridge that meets the Peak District's aesthetic needs to replace a pedestrian level crossing. It's not ramped and component parts were delivered in the wrong colour. It needs to be painted - when the weather should be warmer than it is at present.

At the 2016 public inquiry CPRE, Ramblers and the Peak Park offered no serious objections to rerouting or closure of the footpath. However an objector showed the path was there before the railway and the footbridge was agreed to avoid more formalities. The irony is that after a year walkers are diverting anyway, but historic paths have to be preserved.

 

[Killingworth]

And that same foot crossing that has been closed for almost a year- still has Whistle boards on approach. Drivers are literally having to whistle at a new footbridge every time they pass...

Which irritates local residents who can neither use the level crossing or the footbridge yet still have to put up with all the whistling!

Can nobody send out a message to stop before the new line becomes operational (in theory) on the 25th March 2024?

 

[GRALISTAIR]

A great example of why things take too long and cost too much.

“Since 2019 we have engaged with the surrounding community…”

Four years, and no further forward.

I feel your pain and frustration

 

[greyman42]

Which irritates local residents who can neither use the level crossing or the footbridge yet still have to put up with all the whistling!

Can nobody send out a message to stop before the new line becomes operational (in theory) on the 25th March 2024?

Would it not make sense to remove the whistle boards when a foot crossing is permanently closed?

 

[coxxy]

Which irritates local residents who can neither use the level crossing or the footbridge yet still have to put up with all the whistling!

Can nobody send out a message to stop before the new line becomes operational (in theory) on the 25th March 2024?

Would make perfect sense for the guys removing the footboard to remove whistle boards at the same time.. but can only guess the amount of red tape. There are numerous whistle boards around that I know of where the associated crossing has been shut for 3 or 4 years.

 

[Dan G]

Not sure if this is a re-announcement or anything genuinely new:

...a £3.9 billion funding boost announced by Rail Minister Huw Merriman today (4 December 2023).

Work on the Transpennine Route Upgrade will be accelerated through the cash injection...

today’s announcement means government has invested a total of £6.9 billion into the upgrade, with the initial £3 billion funding work to deliver early benefits by the middle of the decade, such as the electrification of tracks.

Further funding will be confirmed by the department as the project progresses to support the overall cost of up to £11.5 billion.

On top of this, we are bringing in Bradford and Hull into the NPR scheme, using savings from HS2. The new Bradford station will support regeneration efforts in the UK’s seventh-largest city and facilitate a new rail connection to Manchester via Huddersfield

Service announcement: £3.9 billion boost for more reliable train journeys in the North

Passengers will benefit from a fully-electrified line, accessible stations and more frequent services.

www.gov.uk

 

[Seehof]

So where are we with all this with electrification from Leeds to York? Or has that yet to be signed off and the actual money found?

 

[snowball]

Not sure if this is a re-announcement or anything genuinely new:

It appears to be the announcement at the beginning of #7233 that has finally become public.

Funding for TRU seems to come in occasional lumps that come at random times and are not publicly related to specific pieces of work, but this £3bn should cover much of Hudds-Dewsbury.

 

[Nicholas Lewis]

It appears to be the announcement at the beginning of #7233 that has finally become public.

Funding for TRU seems to come in occasional lumps that come at random times and are not publicly related to specific pieces of work, but this £3bn should cover much of Hudds-Dewsbury.

It is according to the above press release. Oh and its 3.9B although what we've got for the 3B already committed isn't that clear

The funding announced today will be invested in doubling the number of tracks from 2 to 4 between Huddersfield and Ravensthorpe, allowing faster trains to overtake slower stopping services and freight journeys.

Mind you we've got a long wait to see any benefit from it

Once complete in the mid-2030s, the upgrade will offer up to 8 trains per hour, hundreds of extra seats and cut journey times between Manchester and York by 10 minutes.

So they say its still a total of 11B and we get 10m journey time improvement. Umm me thinks HS2 would have been the better plan.....

 

[quantinghome]

£3billion for an 8 mile section of line (yes, including stations, new structures etc.) Per mile it's around the same as HS2.

 

[nr758123]

So they say its still a total of 11B and we get 10m journey time improvement. Umm me thinks HS2 would have been the better plan.....

It's about capacity, not just speed.

 

[hux385]

Do we have any firm details on the new station at Bradford? Does 'bringing in Bradford and Hull into the NPR scheme' mean full electrification? It all feels a little bit vague!

I'm trying to stay optimistic though because it does genuinely sound like some good improvements.

 

[D6130]

I may have missed something in the text, but I couldn't work out what improvements are planned for the Hull line.

 

[3RDGEN]

So where are we with all this with electrification from Leeds to York? Or has that yet to be signed off and the actual money found?

There is some ongoing work, there's a closure over Christmas for a bridge replacement detailed on the TRU Closures webpage;

"https://thetrupgrade.co.uk/upcomingclosures/";

"Saturday 23 December 2023 - Trains between Leeds and York - From approximately 20:15 the line between Leeds and York will be closed. This is to enable us to start work to replace a railway bridge over the Christmas holiday."

A Transport and Works Act Order was submitted for Leeds - Micklefield in July so if that's approved then the money will have to be approved for it, same as the Huddersfield - Dewsbury rebuild finally funded and announced today .

This link details the Leeds - Micklefield works;

"https://www.networkrail.co.uk/runni...rade/leeds-to-micklefield-upgrades/#our-plans"

As per todays announcement "Once complete in the mid-2030s", TRU is progressing at a glacial pace and having assigned £6.9 Billion there's "only" £4.6 Billion left for Church Fenton - Dewsbury and Huddersfield - Stalybridge works.

I may have missed something in the text, but I couldn't work out what improvements are planned for the Hull line.

Nothing is announced yet beyond upgrade and electrification from Micklefield to Hull, it will be a decade before it happens.

 

[quantinghome]

It's about capacity, not just speed.

TRU increases capacity from 6 tph to 8 tph. 6 fasts and 2 stoppers. That's welcome of course, but if £11bn doesn't even give us a proper metro-frequency local service between Leeds and Huddersfield, it goes to show just how limited the scope is in upgrading existing lines rather than new build.

 

[fishwomp]

[..]
As per todays announcement "Once complete in the mid-2030s", TRU is progressing at a glacial pace and having assigned £6.9 Billion there's "only" £4.6 Billion left for Church Fenton - Dewsbury and Huddersfield - Stalybridge works.

Glass half empty today? "once complete" is scarcely a disaster if you have a project delivering incremental benefits. On the other hand, new builds like HS2 has been in progress since 2020, and with zero benefit until 2030 (-ish..).

I look at it like:
- Manchester V + P - Stalybridge, Church Fenton electrification - complete by end 2023 - and in use in/by 2024.
- Morley speed improvements - presumably already in use - 2023
- Miles Platting speed improvement - in use since ~2022.
- Huddersfield-Ravensthorpe - dunno when it'll be in use, if it'll be staged to eg. Heaton Lodge or all-in-one.

of those improvements, haven't a clue if they've reduced journey times yet, or just improved reliability through soaking the timetable in allowances. Hard to tell on the reliability front, it's TPE..

Nothing is announced yet beyond upgrade and electrification from Micklefield to Hull, it will be a decade before it happens.

Yep. Or longer.

 

[CdBrux]

It is according to the above press release. Oh and its 3.9B although what we've got for the 3B already committed isn't that clear


Mind you we've got a long wait to see any benefit from it

So they say its still a total of 11B and we get 10m journey time improvement. Umm me thinks HS2 would have been the better plan.....

Not between Manchester & Leeds! NPR (any version) maybe. More seats could be relatively easily solved fairly quickly with longer trains

 

[snowball]

There was an item of about 2 mins on BBC lunchtime Look North (Leeds) and it said there will be more on the 18:30 edition.