A lift at Huddersfield station that had been closed since Monday, March 14 has now reopened after Network Rail engineers completed work to make it more reliable.

While the lift was out of use, there was no passenger lift on Platform 1 and no step-free access to platforms 4-8, which were reached via a tunnel.

The lift provides a step-free route between Platforms 4-8 and the main entrance, which is vital for passengers with limited mobility, heavy luggage, or pushchairs. Engineers have cleaned and replaced parts of the lift so that passengers can once more use it to move around the station, which is managed by TransPennine Express.

The project was extended by one week after teams found that extra testing was needed. The lift was safely opened whenever possible while this was done to minimise the impact on station users.

The repairs come before the station is refurbished as part of the planned £1.56bn TransPennine Rail Upgrade between Manchester and York, and require two 32-day closures between March and April 2024 and April and May 2025. As part of that upgrade, Mirfield and Ravensthorpe stations will be extensively remodelled as well as Huddersfield, eight bridges between Huddersfield and Westtown in Dewsbury will be replaced, improved, or knocked down, and the line will be widened and electrified.

Richard Owens, Infrastructure Director for Network Rail’s North & East route, said: “I’d like to thank passengers for their support and understanding while we completed this essential work at Huddersfield station.

“It will help to keep the lift in good working condition for years to come, providing a reliable and accessible route for those who rely on step-free access when travelling by train.”

Angie Hunte, TransPennine Express Interim Station Manager for Huddersfield, said, “We want to thank customers for their patience whilst work took place on the lift at Huddersfield station. During the essential work, we have worked closely alongside Network Rail to keep disruption for customers to a minimum.”