Transpennine Route Upgrade: Huddersfield Depot & Rail Tech Boost

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Introduction

A new GBP 46.5 million maintenance depot has opened in Huddersfield, as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) project. The facility, known as Hillhouse Light Maintenance Depot, will support Northern’s fleet operations, including maintenance, repairs, and cleaning to ensure reliable train services across the North of England.

Hillhouse Light Maintenance Depot

The Hillhouse Light Maintenance Depot, formerly known as Hillhouse Sidings, has been transformed into a state-of-the-art facility. The depot operates 24 hours a day and includes five maintenance lines capable of accommodating up to 24 carriages. Initially, engineers will focus on diesel trains on two of the lines, with the remaining three lines scheduled to open in the coming years to support electric and bi-mode trains within the TRU programme.

Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU)

The Transpennine Route Upgrade is a multi-billion-pound investment project. The project covers a 76-mile railway between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York. The TRU aims to enhance services by providing faster, more frequent, and reliable services, increasing capacity, and reducing carbon emissions through electrification.

Huddersfield Station Redevelopment

Huddersfield station is also undergoing major redevelopment as part of the wider works. Three platforms have been reopened after extensive rebuilding and extension. The next phase of construction will continue until early 2027, focusing on completing the final platform, canopy, and track improvements. Upon completion, the station will be able to accommodate longer trains with increased capacity and improved passenger comfort.

Statements

Rob Warnes, Strategic Development Director at Northern, stated, “We’re delighted this depot is now open, following years of hard work and millions of pounds of investment. It will play a vital role in ensuring services are in excellent condition and run smoothly for passengers along the upgraded Transpennine Route.”

Paul Sumner, Senior Sponsor for the TRU, added, “The opening of Hillhouse Light Maintenance Depot is another fantastic milestone for the TRU. By transforming this site into a modern, state-of-the-art facility, we’re helping to ensure trains are kept in the best possible condition for passengers across the North. This depot will not only support more reliable services today, but it’s also future-proofed for electric and bi-mode trains, making it a key part of building a greener, faster and more dependable railway for years to come.”

Conclusion

The new GBP 46.5 million Hillhouse Light Maintenance Depot in Huddersfield has opened, marking a significant milestone in the Transpennine Route Upgrade. This facility, designed to support Northern’s fleet, will help improve service reliability and is future-proofed for electric and bi-mode trains. The Huddersfield station is also undergoing major redevelopment.

Company Summary

Northern: The UK’s second-largest train operator, running 2,650 daily services to more than 500 stations across the North of England.

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