Transpennine gets back on track
Network Rail has given passengers a belated Christmas present, using the festive break to carry out a series of upgrades across multiple sites on the Transpennine route, including the Osmandthorpe Lane railway bridge between York and Leeds.
The work was carried out by the TRU East Alliance and their partners which include Network Rail, Murphy, Systra, VolkerRail, and Siemens.
Osmandthorpe Lane’s railway bridge was replaced by a 100-strong team of TRU’s engineers, with the new 200-tonne structure moved into position by a self-propelled modular transport vehicle.
The aim is to make the Transpennine route faster, greener, and more reliable, improving journeys between York and Manchester.
A section of Station Road railway bridge in Mirfield was also replaced over the Christmas period, allowing a new accessible station entrance to be constructed, while piling work was completed to support the new platform layout.
In Church Fenton, near York, foundations were installed to facilitate new overhead line equipment (OLE), enabling electric trains to run through the area in the future.
Near Miles Platting in Manchester, a vital set of track points were renewed, which enables trains to change from one line to another.
Passenger services have now resumed.
Andy Stocks, East of Leeds alliance director for Transpennine route upgrade said: “I want to say a big thank you to our customers and neighbours for bearing with us during this period as our engineers completed significant work between York and Leeds to facilitate ongoing electrification of the Route, which included a major bridge upgrade in the Osmondthorpe area of Leeds.
“Our engineers worked around the clock, demonstrating outstanding teamwork and professionalism to replace the old bridge deck with a stronger one.”
The upgrade programme will continue throughout six weekends in January and February, and three weeks (excluding weekends) in March, with passengers advised to check for disruptions before they travel.
So very ”well done” to all the teams working on the TRU. They are doing a truly magnificent job of work this massive project. These men and women are a true, and proud credit to British workmanship and it has, (and will continue to be), a privilege and indeed a pleasure to enjoy seeing this magnificent work progress through to fruition 👏👏👏👏. Keep up the great work!!
By Tim Cramp