Penistone Line Upgrades: Kirklees Council & SLC’s Rail Project

“`html

Introduction

SLC is working with Kirklees Council to develop improvements for the Penistone Line, aiming to enhance connectivity and boost the local economy, as announced by Sam Uren, Director of SLC. The project involves potential upgrades to rail infrastructure and aims to improve journey times between Huddersfield and Sheffield.

Project Overview

The Penistone Line connects major towns and smaller stations across South and West Yorkshire, providing access to jobs, education, and leisure. The Outline Business Case explores increasing train speeds, upgrading rail infrastructure, and doubling sections of track to enable two trains per hour in both directions on the northern section of the line. The work will also investigate opportunities to modernize stations, improving passenger experience and accessibility.

Key Objectives

The proposed improvements aim to connect communities better and complement the wider upgrades delivered by the Transpennine Route Upgrade to improve journeys between Huddersfield, Manchester, and York. Sam Uren, Director of SLC, stated that the Penistone Line has the potential to serve its region better through targeted improvements.

Local Government Perspective

Councillor Moses Crook, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport and Housing, highlighted that the funding awarded to Kirklees Council will improve the rail network, benefiting residents along the Penistone Line route and across Kirklees. The improvements aim to bring more reliable trains with better journey times between Huddersfield and Sheffield, boosting the local economy and improving connectivity across the north. These upgrades will open greater opportunities in education, employment, skills, and health and wellbeing for residents across Kirklees.

Economic and Community Impact

Councillor Crook emphasized that the Penistone Line is a crucial transport link and part of plans to strengthen the Kirklees economy, integrate the region, and make it greener for future generations.

Conclusion

The Penistone Line project, supported by funding awarded to Kirklees Council, focuses on infrastructure upgrades and improved connectivity. The initiative aims to enhance the local economy and community access across South and West Yorkshire.

Company Summary

SLC: SLC is working with Kirklees Council to develop improvements for the Penistone Line.

Kirklees Council: Kirklees Council has been awarded funding to improve the rail network.

“`