Passengers will be able to continue to move between Manchester and Huddersfield via diversionary routes, as two weekends of essential track work to transform train journeys through Stalybridge starts this September.
As part of the multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade, more than 125 railway engineers are set to work around the clock as they replace 1.2km of rail track at Stalybridge, which will bring smoother, more reliable journeys.
This essential upgrade is a steppingstone towards the future introduction of cleaner, quieter, electric trains between Manchester and Stalybridge and onward to Huddersfield, Leeds and York.
Passengers can keep their plans on track while the work takes place over the first two weekends in September (Saturday 3 and Sunday 4, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11).
Rail services will be diverted between Manchester and Leeds via the recently upgraded Calder Valley Route and buses will be provided for shorter journeys between Manchester and Huddersfield and stations in between.
Trains will run to alternative timetables, so please check before you travel at National Rail Enquiries and leave extra time. We also advise passengers to check with their train operator for the latest updates.
For more detailed information on the alternative arrangements for passengers, including bus services, please visit www.thetrupgrade.co.uk/upcomingclosures.
Hannah Lomas, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail, said: “The track works at Stalybridge are essential to ensure a future of more reliable journeys through this area. It is a key steppingstone to realise the ambitious plans for fully electrified rail travel between Manchester and York as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade.
“Passengers will be able to keep moving through the use of a variety of alternate rail and bus services and I recommend that anyone travelling through Stalybridge over these two weekends checks which options are best for them.”
Chris Nutton, Major Projects Director for TransPennine Express, said: “As work continues on the Transpennine Route Upgrade between Stalybridge and Huddersfield this weekend (03, 04 September) and the following weekend (10, 11 September), there will be a number of service alterations for TransPennine Express services.
“Customers are advised to allow for additional time to travel and to check carefully for the latest travel advice before they travel on our website www.tpexpress.co.uk/travel-updates/changes-to-train-times; updates will also be available on our social media channels. In addition, extra support will be available for passengers from Customer Delivery Managers who will be on hand to assist customers with their journeys.”
Rob Warnes, Strategic Development Director for Northern, said: “We’re really grateful for everybody’s patience whilst these transformational works are taking place. Once this work is complete, our customers can look forward to greener, quieter and more reliable journeys on electric trains running between Manchester and Stalybridge in the coming years.”
