For the next four months, train services through Stalybridge in Greater Manchester are likely to be disrupted whilst engineers carry out work in connection with the Transpennine Route Upgrade.

During this time, engineers will completely remodel the tracks on the approach to Stalybridge station, install over two kilometres of new track and 23 new signals, upgrade 13 crossovers, and install equipment for overhead electric lines.

From Saturday, 11th March to Wednesday, 5th April, some services will be altered, although trains will continue to run between Manchester and Leeds via the Calder Valley route, and Huddersfield to Leeds services will continue as normal, calling at all stations.

Outside of those dates, additional preparation work will take place on 18th/19th and 25th/26th February, 4th/5th March, 15th/16th, 22nd/23rd, and 29th/30th April, and 20th/21st May.

Anyone intending to travel on these dates should check before they travel via National Rail or their train operator’s website for the latest travel information, and allow extra time for their journeys as they will take slightly longer.

During the work, rail-replacement buses will operate between Manchester (including Manchester Airport) and Huddersfield and between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge.

The Transpennine Route Upgrade is a multi-billion pound projeet that will allow faster, more frequent, and greener trains with more seats to operate between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York.

Last November, the first of the electric wires that will eventually allow a fully electric service to operate between Manchester and Stalybridge were installed.

Hannah Lomas, Industry Programme Director for Transpennine Route Upgrade said:

“Over the 26 days, our engineers will work around the clock to complete these key upgrades in Stalybridge, bringing us one step closer to being able to run electric trains through the area by the middle of the decade.

“To complete it safely, it does mean some passengers will be impacted between February and May. We’ve worked closely with TransPennine Express and Northern to keep passengers moving via both diversionary routes and rail replacement buses.

“We’re encouraging anyone that’s planning on travelling during the main upgrades or preparation weekends to visit National Rail or their train operator’s website to plan their journey.”

Chris Nutton, Major Projects Director for TransPennine Express said:

“These upgrade works are a vital step towards delivering faster, more reliable, and sustainable services between Manchester and York.

“Whilst the engineering work takes place around Stalybridge there will be a number of changes to TransPennine Express services across our network – and we’d advise our customers to check carefully for the latest 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. Our teams from across the industry will be on hand at stations to assist customers with their journeys.”

Rob Warnes, Strategic Development Director for Northern said:

”We’d like to thank our customers for their patience whilst Stalybridge station is closed for this work. These upgrades will pave the way for Northern to run faster, greener electric trains to Stalybridge in the future. We’re working hard to keep our customers moving throughout the duration of the closure, and we’d like to remind customers to check before they travel.”