Huddersfield to Westtown (Dewsbury)

Overview

We’re improving the Transpennine railway between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York. We want to create a better performing railway that passengers can depend on with more seats, more trains and faster journeys. By creating a better-connected North, this will provide people with more opportunities to travel to work, study or see family and friends.

The Scheme

Upgrading the section of railway between Huddersfield and Westtown - about half a mile south-west of Dewsbury Station – is key to delivering the benefits passengers want along the Transpennine railway. The current layout of railway in this area means we can’t run more trains or faster trains than we currently do, and this section of the track can be a cause of delays. With such major improvements to the railway proposed in this area, we would like to hear your views.

 

Huddersfield to Westtown (Dewsbury) Proposals

Our proposals for the scheme include:

• Doubling the number of tracks from two to four along the majority of the railway

• Upgrading stations at Huddersfield, Deighton, Mirfield and Ravensthorpe 

• Electrification of the railway from Huddersfield to Ravensthorpe – and right through to Leeds.

Proposed Designs

Downloadable documents of the proposed designs are located towards the end of the page

 

The Benefits

Our proposals for the Huddersfield to Westtown (Dewsbury) scheme would deliver a range of benefits including:

 

A better railway

The tracks would be doubled from two to four along most of the railway, meaning a more resilient and reliable railway while also improving journey times and providing more frequent trains for passengers.

 

 

Accessible stations

Stations would be upgraded to modern standards and will provide better facilities for passengers. Our proposals include improvements at stations Huddersfield, Deighton, Mirfield and Ravensthorpe. 

 

Cleaner and quieter railway

We plan to electrify the railway from Huddersfield to Ravensthorpe – and right through to Leeds. This means cleaner travel and is quieter for those living near the railway.

 

Supporting economic growth

With more seats and more trains, our proposals will better connect the cities in the North. We want to build a railway which passengers and businesses can trust.

 

Scheme Interventions 

Huddersfield Station

Upgrade work proposed at Huddersfield Station includes delivering a fourth ‘through platform’ in addition to the three that currently exist. This would allow us to better manage the proposed increase in the number of trains and improve the timetable resilience, creating fewer delays. Platforms would be extended to accommodate longer trains, and all lines serving Leeds will be electrified. We are working with Historic England and will consult with local groups, so we can deliver passenger benefits, while respecting the historic integrity of the Grade 1 listed building.

 

Deighton Station

The location of Deighton Station and its surrounding constraints, means accommodating the additional tracks and platforms has been difficult to achieve. However, our proposal represents the best solution to retain the station at its current location based on information collected to date. We propose improved facilities including blue-badge parking, a drop off point, and step free access to platforms. All lines will be electrified.

 

 

 

Mirfield station

Mirfield Station would be remodelled to allow four tracks to pass through. The station would benefit from step-free accessibility with lifts serving the platform. All lines will be electrified.

 

Ravensthorpe station

We propose relocating Ravensthorpe station approximately 250 metres to the west. The relocated station will have better, step-free access to both platforms. All lines will be electrified.

 

 

Grade Separation - Ravensthorpe

To deliver the benefits that passengers want to see, our proposal is to separate tracks to the east of the proposed new Ravensthorpe Station, at a location on the railway known as Thornhill Junction. 

We propose doubling the number of tracks going to/from Leeds from two to four – and then separating the two new tracks from those going to/from Wakefield. We propose doing this either with a bridge (fly-over) or a tunnel (dive-under). Separating tracks at different heights in this way is known as ‘grade separation’.

By doing this, we can run more trains at faster speeds while potentially reducing the impact of delays when things go wrong.

 

Managing Impacts

We plan to manage impacts through the following interventions:

 

Design and Engineering

We plan to deliver improvements to the railway for both passengers and the regional economy, while considering the local community. Where possible, our engineering designs maximise every opportunity to make use of land within the existing railway corridor. 

 

Highways and Utilities

Throughout construction there would be significant highways alterations and improvements taking place. We are working closely with the relevant highway authorities and utilities operators to understand how we can best minimise any disruption to traffic flow and services in the local community.

Transporting materials and equipment by rail is the preferred means of supporting construction though we will have to use the road network as well.

 

Social Value

Our proposals will contribute to the North’s economic and social development, bringing jobs, transport links and helping local areas develop and thrive. We have a Social Value Strategy which aims to support social and economic development by procuring services and skills from the local area, supporting young people with apprenticeships and make the railway inclusive for all.

 

Our designs aim to:

• Show consideration for our lineside neighbours, surrounding communities and local businesses

• Reduce the impact of construction on the local businesses

• Improve accessibility

 

In addition we will:

• Provide opportunities for local employment and apprenticeships

• Engage young people in the rail industry

• Work with local communities to deliver local beneficial initiatives

 

The Environment

We care about the environment around us. We have a sustainability strategy and are carrying out an Environmental Impact Assessment that will help show how the design for the new railway layout will bring passenger benefits, while respecting the natural and human environment. 

 

Our designs aim to:

• Reduce carbon through intelligent engineering

• Minimise resource use and waste

• Responsibly source materials such as timber

• Deliver measurable net positive biodiversity

 

Our Heritage

Our Heritage is very important. We are working closely with historic environment groups to make sure that the design of the new railway layout between Huddersfield and Westtown (Dewsbury) will bring improvements for passengers, while respecting much loved local landmarks such as the Grade I listed Huddersfield Train Station. 

 

Our designs aim to:

• Work in harmony with our historic environment

• Understand and recognise the characteristics of our towns, cities and rural landscapes

• Minimise and mitigate the effects of construction

 

Consents for work

To build a railway outside of the existing boundary, a Transport and Works Act Order is required. This is a piece of legislation approved by the Secretary of State for Transport, granting permission to carry out the work.

 

Next steps

We want to hear your feedback on our proposals. This will help inform further development work on the design, layout, Environmental Impact Assessment and our construction activities. We intend to submit a Transport and Works Act Order application in autumn 2020. 

 

Have your say

You can share your views on the Huddersfield to Westtown (Dewsbury) scheme by sending in our freepost feedback form or filling in our online survey. Comments can be submitted between Monday 9 September and Friday 25 October.

 

For more information on our proposals you can email us at: TranspennineEngagement@networkrail.co.uk

You can also visit our contact us page

networkrail.co.uk/communities/contact-us/ or

call our 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41.