A series of major upgrades across multiple sites on the Transpennine route have been completed over the festive break.

In Leeds, Osmondthorpe Lane railway bridge was replaced by a 100-strong team of TRU engineers.

The new structure, which weighs 200 tonnes, was moved into position in one piece by a self-propelled modular transport (SPMT) vehicle.

Once in position, new tracks and more than 270 tonnes of ballast were laid before the railway was handed back – on time – ready for passenger services to resume.

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.

 Gordon Kells, TRU interim managing director, said: “Over Christmas and New Year, we completed significant upgrades across multiple sites on our route, improving journeys between Manchester and York.

"I'd like to say thank you to our neighbours for their support and everyone that worked over this period, whose efforts contributed to the safe and successful completion of a number of key upgrades, setting us off to a strong start in 2025."

Progress continues across the programme as further upgrades are delivered in the coming weeks and months, with customers encouraged to check before they travel.

A series of track, station and bridge upgrades will be undertaken along the route over six weekends between January and February and three weeks (excluding weekends) in March.