Three-day upgrade of rail signalling complete

24 October 2018

Cllr Kim Groves, Chair of the Combined Authority's Transport Committee has welcomed Network Rail's successful completion three-day upgrade of the signalling system between Pudsey, Bradford, Halifax, Hebden Bridge, Huddersfield and Shepley.

State-of-the-art

Carried out over Saturday 20, Sunday 21 and Monday 22 October, the project saw control of signalling transferred to a state-of-the-art Rail Operating Centre in York from old-style, lineside mechanical signal boxes.

The work, which is part of the Great North Rail Project, will support providing a more modern, reliable and cost-effective railway and better journeys for passengers across West Yorkshire and the whole of the North.

Improved reliability

Cllr Kim Groves said: "Along with our district partners we have been making the case for this upgrade to infrastructure on our local rail networks and I am pleased that Network Rail have delivered the project on time and with minimal disruption to passengers given its size and scale.

"I now look forwards to seeing Northern capitalising on the lines improved capability by providing local people with improved reliability and reduced journey times."

Rob McIntosh, Route Managing Director for Network Rail, said: "Passengers across the North will start seeing the benefits of this upgrade today and will benefit from a more modern and reliable railway which will improve journeys.

"We're delighted that the final stage of this vital upgrade is now complete and we'd like to thank passengers for their patience whilst this work took place. This project will ensure we can continue to meet the needs of the communities and economies which our railway serves."

The project follows an upgrade to signalling equipment between Huddersfield and Dewsbury, which was completed in January.

Bradford Interchange

Work Network Rail and Northern to extend platforms three and four of Bradford's is also now underway as part of the Great North Rail Project. Due for completion in early December, this work paves the way for the planned introduction of newer and longer trains on the Calder Valley line. To minimise disruption to passengers, the work will be carried out overnight.