First electric trains on Transpennine Route Upgrade in sight, as Stalybridge station reopens

The Transpennine Route Upgrade continues to build towards the future of electric rail travel in the North, as industry leaders hail the latest upgrade work at Stalybridge station. 

Engineers worked around the clock over 26-days to complete their largest phase of work to date, including a full junction remodelling, installing over 2km of new track and 23 new signals, upgrading 13 crossovers and fitting new overhead line equipment for future electrification, which will improve journeys along this key route.

Rail Minister, Huw Merriman said: “Our multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade will transform our railways for generations to come and this major piece of work at Stalybridge station is just another way we’re investing to improve rail in the North.

“These vital works will support economic growth, connect communities and deliver faster, greener and more reliable services across the region”

The multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade is set to revolutionise rail travel in the North, better connecting towns and cities through more frequent, faster trains, running on a cleaner, greener and more reliable railway.

Hannah Lomas, Industry Programme Director for Transpennine Route Upgrade, said: “We’d like to say a big “thank you” to passengers for bearing with us while we did this work; it means that trains will be able to move through Stalybridge station faster and more reliably. 

“This is just one component of the wider Transpennine Route Upgrade, which will electrify the whole route between Manchester and York via Huddersfield and Leeds, bringing the line into the 21st century with 70 miles of fully electric, digital railway.”

Rob Warnes, Strategic Development Director for Northern, said: “We’re really grateful to all of our customers for their patience throughout this 26-day closure of the line between Manchester and Stalybridge. The work that has taken place will allow us to run electric trains to Stalybridge in the near future, meaning faster, greener and more reliable trains for everybody.”

Chris Nutton, Major Projects Director for TransPennine Express, said: “Completing the 26-day upgrade work at Stalybridge is a fantastic achievement for the cross-industry teams who have worked tirelessly to deliver this important work.

“It takes us another step closer towards this once-in-a-generation rail project which will enable more frequent trains between Manchester and York – running on a cleaner, greener, more reliable railway.

“We’d like to thank customers for their patience and cooperation during the work. Follow up work at Stalybridge continues during the weekends up until May; customers are therefore reminded to check the latest changes to our services before they travel on our website www.tpexpress.co.uk/travel-updates/changes-to-train-times.”

Additional follow up work will also take place at Stalybridge on 15/16 April, 22/23 April, 29/30 April and 20/21 May. Passengers should check before they travel for the latest updates.