Network Rail is proposing to upgrade the rail lines to the east of the town of Huddersfield to Westtown (Dewsbury). The scheme is a key part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade, which consists of targeted upgrades to the rail network to increase capacity, improve reliability and accessibility and reduce journey times, both within this corridor and between Manchester, Leeds and York.

The Transpennine Route Upgrade is part of the Great North Rail Project.The scheme is known as East West Rail Western Section Phase 2

The scheme is focused on 13 kilometers of railway between Huddersfield and just west of Dewsbury, most of which is currently dual track. Currently, this dual-track status limits the number of trains that can run between the two towns, with significant operational constraints throughout the scheme.

The intent of the scheme is to upgrade 11.5 kilometers of this stretch of the railway to four tracks. To accommodate the additional tracks, there is a requirement to improve the stations at Huddersfield, Mirfield and Deighton and relocate and rebuild the station at Ravensthorpe. The scope of the scheme also includes full electrification and an upgraded signalling system.

The scope includes a rebuild of the existing bridge over the Huddersfiled Broad Canal, and the rebuild of the existing viaduct span over the Aire and Calder navigation and Calder River.

The consultation can be viewed here:

The NABO response is here

As a statutory consultee, NABO is asked to comment on the proposals.