Following nine days of work at Morley station, Netwok Rail has thanked passengers as trains resumed between Huddersfield and Leeds today.

Foundations have been laid for a new platform, realigned track and drainage work during the closure ready for the new station to be built later this year.

Network Rail worked with Northern and TransPennine Express to keep passengers moving with trains diverting via Wakefield and other rail replacement buses running.

The next stage of work at Morley will take place in June when the old station will be demolished, with the new station opening later this year.

Rail Minister, Huw Merriman said: “Once complete, the brand new, fully accessible Morley Station will completely transform the opportunities for local residents. Just last week, I was able to see for myself the impact these improvements are already having and meet one of the brilliant apprentices who is helping deliver them.

“Under our £96bn Integrated Rail Plan, this upgrade is just one of many taking place along the Transpennine Route and will result in greener, faster and more reliable services for millions of passengers across the North for generations to come.”

Hannah Lomas, Industry Programme Director for Transpennine Route Upgrade said: “I’d like to thank passengers for bearing with us while we completed nine days of major progress at Morley station.

“We’re one step closer to delivering huge benefits for passengers travelling through Morley and between York and Manchester. A new, accessible station with longer platforms and a better track layout will help more people travel on faster, more frequent trains.”