For the next two weekends, train services through Stalybridge will be diverted which will affect trains between Manchester and Huddersfield.

On Saturday and Sunday 3rd/4th and 10th/11th September, train services will be diverted between Manchester and Leeds via the recently upgraded Calder Valley route, with buses replacing trains for shorter journeys between Manchester and Huddersfield and intermediate stations.

Alternative timetables will be in operation, so for the latest updates and information on bus services, passengers are advised to check with their train operator or at www.thetrupgrade.co.uk/upcomingclosures.

On both weekends, train services will be affected as follows:

Services between Liverpool and Newcastle

• Trains will be diverted between Manchester and Leeds via the Calder Valley route;
• Trains will not call at Huddersfield;
• An extra stop will be made at Brighouse.

Services between Manchester Airport and Redcar Central

• Trains will start/finish at Manchester Victoria;
• Trains will not call at Manchester Airport, Gatley, Manchester Piccadilly, or Manchester Oxford Road;
• Trains will be diverted between Manchester and Leeds via the Calder Valley route;
• Trains will not call at Huddersfield;
• An hourly rail-replacement bus service will run between Manchester Airport and Huddersfield, calling at Stockport;
• A non-stop rail replacement shuttle bus service will run between Manchester Piccadilly and Huddersfield;
• A frequent Free Bus 2 service will run between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria.

Local services between Manchester Piccadilly and Huddersfield

• These journeys will not run;
• A rail replacement bus service will run between Manchester Piccadilly and Huddersfield, calling at Stalybridge, Mossley, Greenfield, Marsden, and Slaithwaite stations;
• A shuttle bus will run between Manchester Piccadilly and Stalybridge;
• A shuttle bus will run between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge, calling at Ashton-under-Lyne.

Services between Manchester Piccadilly and Hull

• Trains will only run between Huddersfield, Leeds, and Hull;
• Trains will not call at Manchester Piccadilly or Stalybridge;
• A rail-replacement bus service will run between Manchester Piccadilly and Huddersfield, calling at Stalybridge, Mossley, Greenfield, Marsden, and Slaithwaite stations;
• A shuttle bus will run between Manchester Piccadilly and Stalybridge;
• A shuttle bus will also run between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge, calling at Ashton-under-Lyne.

Hannah Lomas, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail, said:

“The track works at Stalybridge are essential to ensure a future of more reliable journeys through this area. It is a key stepping stone to realise the ambitious plans for fully electrified rail travel between Manchester and York as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade.

“Passengers will be able to keep moving through the use of a variety of alternate rail and bus services and I recommend that anyone travelling through Stalybridge over these two weekends checks which options are best for them.”

In July, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced that the investment for TransPennine Route Upgrades (TRU) was to be more than trebled to over £9 bn, whilst two railway bridges between Manchester and Stalybridge were raised.

Chris Nutton, Major Projects Director for TransPennine Express, said:

“As work continues on the Transpennine Route Upgrade between Stalybridge and Huddersfield this weekend (3rd/4th September) and the following weekend (10th/11th September), there will be a number of service alterations for TransPennine Express services.

“Customers are advised to allow for additional time to travel and to check carefully for the latest travel advice before they travel on our website www.tpexpress.co.uk/travel-updates/changes-to-train-times; updates will also be available on our social media channels. In addition, extra support will be available for passengers from Customer Delivery Managers who will be on hand to assist customers with their journeys.”

Rob Warnes, Strategic Development Director for Northern, said:

“We’re really grateful for everybody’s patience whilst these transformational works are taking place. Once this work is complete, our customers can look forward to greener, quieter, and more reliable journeys on electric trains running between Manchester and Stalybridge in the coming years.”