Major train disruption expected for eight weeks

Train delays are expected between Mossley and Dewsbury for eight weeks due to upgrade work.

Network Rail has warned commuters to check before they travel as a series of upgrades will be completed across eight consecutive weekends, starting on Saturday, March 29.

The work forms part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), a multi-billion-pound railway programme that will unlock a range of benefits for customers travelling between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York.

Track renewal work will also be completed over Saddleworth viaduct in Oldham.

All trains that run through Huddersfield will be impacted each weekend from March 29 to May 18.

Weekday services will run as normal, except for Monday, April 21, when TRU engineers complete work at Mirfield station. 

Passengers will be kept on the move via diversion routes and rail replacement buses.

Chris Nutton, Major Projects and TRU Director at TransPennine Express, said: “The investment put into the stations and infrastructure between Stalybridge and Dewsbury will not only improve the railway of today, but will continue the vital journey of the Transpennine Route Upgrade that will bring greener, faster, and more reliable trains to rail customers in the North.

“During those eight weekends, there will be changes to the services on our North Route.

"Customers will be able to make journeys using the amended timetable, including train services over diversionary routes – connecting across the region – and rail replacement buses in some localised sections. 

“We urge customers to check before they travel across the Pennines on these weekends.

"For those who are planning to travel, we’ll have extra colleagues on hand at key stations to help get people to their destination.”

Councillor Barbara Beeley, chair of Saddleworth Parish Council, has written to Network Rail and Oldham Council saying: “It is extremely late in the day for Network Rail to realise it should have had the courtesy to speak to local people, the local Parish Council and local councillors about the proposed closure of Uppermill High Street on the two consecutive weekends of April 26 and May 3, 2025.

“They make the point that they have been speaking to Oldham Borough Council but obviously they didn’t consult the correct people. 

“The people at Oldham Borough Council should have been able to point out to Network Rail that Saddleworth is a significant tourist area which the Borough promotes as such, and yet at the same time they are proposing the closure of Uppermill on two of the busiest weekends of the year. 

“The second proposed weekend is also a Bank Holiday and the celebration of the 80th anniversary of VE day. 

“People are encouraged to have street and village parties but how can you have such events with your village cut in half.

“It is also the annual Art Trail (under development for at least six months) which runs through all the villages of Saddleworth. 

"Beginning in Delph, it runs through Dobcross, Diggle, then Uppermill and down through the other villages of Greenfield, Grasscroft, Lydgate, Grotton and ending in Springhead. 

“Having to make a significant diversion (if there is a suitable one) will put many people off from following the trail and again reduce the contribution of tourist numbers to the local economy.

“Network Rail (and Oldham Borough Council) cannot ride roughshod over peoples lives and livelihoods in this manner and I suggest they speak to the people who are most affected by this move and get round the table and find alternative days and dates.”

Mark Ashmore, chair of Greenfield Rail Action Group (GRAG) is particularly concerned about the effect of the closure of Uppermill High Street on the Rail Replacement Buses running those weekends between Huddersfield and Stalybridge.

He said: "The Rail Replacement Buses between Marsden and Greenfield Station would normally run via Uppermill High Street.

“In view of previous problems with Rail Replacement Buses GRAG has contacted TransPennine Express (TPE)  to confirm the proposed new route and ensure Greenfield Station is never missed out by the Rail Replacement Buses."

A spokesperson from Network Rail added: "We fully understand the concerns raised about the potential impact on local businesses, particularly over a bank holiday weekend, and appreciate your patience and cooperation as we complete these key upgrades.

"The closures are required to facilitate track renewals on Saddleworth Viaduct, which involve the removal and replacement of ballast (railway stone), sleepers and rails.

"Given the nature of this work, the risk of falling materials from the viaduct means that a full road closure is required to protect public safety.

"With the viaduct standing at 25 metres in some areas, any debris falling from this height would pose a significant hazard.

"To carry out the work safely and efficiently, part of Uppermill High Street will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians from:

6:00 on Saturday 26 April until 11:00 on Sunday 27 April 2025
6:00 on Saturday 3 May until 11:00 on Sunday 4 May 2025
 
"Additionally, Huddersfield Narrow Canal towpath and Den Lane will also be closed during these times.

"We recognise that these closures will cause disruption and have taken all possible measures to reduce the impact, including leaving the level crossing open and carefully planning the work, to make sure the road can re-open at the earliest opportunity.

"Unfortunately, rescheduling the work is not an option, as engineering access to the railway is agreed years in advance in coordination with train and freight operators.

"The track renewals form part of a wider sequence of railway improvements across the North, as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade.

"While we cannot avoid the closures, we are committed to letting businesses and the local community know well in advance.

"Letters containing details about the work, diversions and timings have been sent out to local residents, and diversion routes will be clearly signposted in advance.

"We’ve also contacted local businesses, stakeholders and organisations to make them aware of the upcoming work.

"We appreciate that any road closure is inconvenient, and we thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to deliver long-term improvements to rail services in the region."

Additional reporting by Ken Bennett.

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