Huddersfield Platform 2 extended

Vital upgrade to improve service for passengers completes at Huddersfield station 777 — Platform 2 at Huddersfield station has been extended by five metres.

The longer platform will facilitate replacement
of the unloved Pacer trains.

Platform 2 at Huddersfield station was successfully extended over the Christmas holiday so that it can accommodate new, longer trains.

Network Rail has been working on site at Huddersfield since November. However, the bulk of the upgrade took place on Christmas Day and Boxing Day when no services were running.

Platform 2, which is the terminus platform for Penistone line services between Huddersfield and Sheffield. reopened on the morning of Friday 27 November some five metres longer than it had been. This will facilitate the replacement of the unloved ‘Pacer’ trains with a modern fleet.

Working alongside train operators TransPennine Express and Northern, Network Rail is extending the platforms at seven stations on the Penistone line.

In addition to Huddersfield, these are:

Lockwood
Berry Brow
Honley
Brockholes
Shepley
Denby Dale.

Work to lengthen Platforms 1 and 2 at Shepley station will start on Saturday 4 January 2020 and is expected to be completed by Wednesday 26 February. Meanwhile, the platform extension at Honley station will begin on Monday 6 January and should be complete by Tuesday 31 March.

Network Rail’s route director for the North and East route, Matt Rice, commented: “We are absolutely delighted that this vital project has completed and we can’t wait for passengers to reap the benefits.

“This work was carefully planned so that it didn’t impact on train services and our teams have worked hard to keep any impact on the station itself to a minimum.

“We will continue with our work to extend platforms at seven stations along the Penistone line, which will improve the service for all those who travel on this route and provide a more comfortable experience.”

Kathryn O’Brien, TransPennine Express customer experience director, added: “It is great to see the work that Network Rail has put in over the festive period to extend platform two at Huddersfield station.

“The Penistone Line connects many local communities with Huddersfield, Leeds and Manchester and now this work has been completed, customers who are using Huddersfield station will benefit from longer trains, along with better connectivity.”