Customers in Mirfield will benefit from a transformed station which includes new step-free access, longer platforms and improved facilities, marking the latest milestone in the £11 billion Transpennine Route Upgrade.
This work will also enable longer trains with more seats to stop at the station and faster, more reliable journeys in the future, delivering better connections to communities across West Yorkshire and beyond.
On Friday 30 January, Kim Leadbeater, MP for Spen Valley, cut the ribbon on the upgraded station, which features a new footbridge and lifts for the first time in the station’s history, extended platforms to accommodate longer trains, and modern customer facilities including new waiting shelters, information screens and improved lighting.
The platform remodelling will also enable wider TRU plans for the installation of two new fast lines through this stretch of railway, which will allow direct services to overtake stopping ones and reduce journey times, while boosting capacity and reliability of services. These enhancements will strengthen regional connectivity and support economic growth across the North.
Joining the MP was award-winning disability rights advocate, Zach Eagling, alongside Councillor Carole Pattison, Leader of Kirklees Council; Eric Firth, Deputy Lead for WYCA Transport Committee; David Wildman, Service Director at Kirklees Council, while a number of other local councillors and the Friends of Mirfield Railway Station group were also in attendance.
Kim Leadbeater, MP for Spen Valley, said: “The reopening of Mirfield station is a huge step forward for rail travel in the Spen Valley area. Faster, more frequent services to and from Mirfield means there will be real benefits for the town, and the improved connectivity to places like Manchester, Leeds and York will help unlock the potential of Kirklees.
“I’m really glad I could be here today to see first-hand the progress being made on TRU, and look forward to seeing their upgrades coming to life elsewhere.”
James Richardson, TRU managing director, added: “The transformation of Mirfield station is another key step for the Transpennine Route Upgrade, it demonstrates the pace of the improvements and how major benefits are already being delivered for communities across the North.
“Better connectivity for all between our towns and cities is a real enabler for growth across the entire region, and across Team TRU we’re proud to once again showcase our capability, while being on time and on budget.”
Work at Mirfield continues as the programme implements four-tracking along this stretch of railway, so that direct services can overtake stopping services. While this is undertaken, the existing platform 3 will remain in use. Alongside Mirfield, significant progress is also being made at both Batley and Dewsbury station, which are set to be completed later this year.
“It is fantastic to see the work that has been completed as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade for our customers at Mirfield, which will deliver long term benefits to all that use the station,” said Kerry Peters, director of stations for Northern
“This investment will really make a difference to the everyday journeys of those who use the station. With the installation of the new footbridge and lifts, not only do we see the benefits of step free access, but improved access from platforms to the car park, creating a more seamless journey for our customers.”
Image credit: Network Rail
