Nothings more frustrating than a delayed train and since our country runs on them it can be a such a nuisance when they’re working against us.
Unfortunately, there have been several rail displacements at Huddersfield train station throughout the year, and they will continue to be persist for quite a while longer.
As a result of the TransPennine Route Upgrade project (TRU) Huddersfield train station has undergone several Cosmetic and structural changes.
Due to this it has meant there are rail displacements from Leeds to Huddersfield and vice-versa every weekend until the week of the 17th of August due to the work being done on adding a new bridge, improving the tracks and improving drainage within the station.
Further, After the 30th of August no trains will run to and from Huddersfield and Leeds until the end of September on the 29th with replacement buses and divergent routes available during this time as the station undergoes major track and remodelling work.
At the end of the project there will be many benefits for those going to the station including a Tea room, more seating, better accessibility and a more eco-friendly and sustainable train network.
TRU has stated its elation with the project with Chris Nutton, Director of TRU, stating that it “Will pave the way for the future benefits of the TRU programme to be unlocked.”
This has been seen as a “Milestone” by National rail with them treating this as a “major success” despite the potential inconvenience of the train derailment.
HADRAGS Response
HADRAG (Halifax and District Rail Action Group) is a campaigning group based around Halifax, Sowerby Bridge and Brighouse stations, but with a wider overall view.
Regarding the TRU in Huddersfield, they agree that it will “enable better services not only on the line through Huddersfield but also through Brighouse towards Halifax and Calderdale.” Said Stephan Waring, a representative of HADRAG.
However, his concerns lie in both the management of rail displacements and the upholding of future upgrades throughout the Calder Valley line.
HADRAG shares their concerns with this plan saying how pre-pandemic “Brighouse was (in terms of percentage passenger growth) the fastest growing station on our line.” As they find it “frustrating” for it to be affected like this.
They’re simple request is that “the service be as good as possible during the ongoing work.”
Further, HADRAG state their wish for “Calderdale and the Calder Valley line getting benefit(s)”, with Electric trains being supported throughout requesting them to “decarbonise transport by electrifying railways”.
And this could seem likely, as further money has been invested into this project to improve further lines towards Sheffield.
More information regarding the TRU can be found on their website.
More information regarding HADGRAG can be found on their website.