Ravensthorpe railway station will soon be closed while a new station is constructed, marking a “pivotal” moment for the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU).

The closure will take place from Sunday, December 14 and continue for more than two years, until summer 2028.

Rail replacement bus services between Ravensthorpe and Dewsbury stations will be in operation throughout the closure to keep customers on the move.

In the meantime, the new, modernised station will be built 200 metres west of the current site. It will have step free-access and a footbridge with lifts, and a new forecourt area with improved drop-off facilities.

placeholder image — Ravensthorpe Railway Station.

The construction of a longer island platform will accommodate longer trains with more seats for passengers.

Part of the works will see a new four-track railway installed through the footprint of both the existing and new station sites.

The new station cannot be built until the tracks are laid, including the construction of the new Baker Viaduct. These two elements will allow faster trains to overtake slower ones, reducing journey times across the North. Overhead line equipment that will power electric trains will also be installed.

Work is already well underway in the area – known as Ravensthorpe triangle – and it is currently one of the biggest civil-engineering sites in the country.

Notable work so far includes the installation of concrete beams to form the new Calder Road bridge, the installation of piers for the new Baker Viaduct, and utility diversions on Thornhill Road.

Andrew Campbell, TRU sponsor, said: “The closure of Ravensthorpe station marks the beginning of a pivotal phase for TRU and perhaps one of the most significant projects within the programme – the scale of work being undertaken in Ravensthorpe serves as a great indicator of the upgrades that will be delivered here.

“The four-tracking over a brand-new viaduct and through a modernised station means customers will benefit from faster, more reliable journeys across the Pennines with greater capacity.

“We’d like to thank the community for their understanding as we deliver these major upgrades.”

Andrew Allwright, TRU Programme Delivery Lead for Northern, said: “The work to upgrade Ravensthorpe railway station will support the efforts that the Transpennine Route Upgrade is doing to deliver a fully accessible railway that is fit for the 21st century.

“When Ravensthorpe station closes, from Sunday, December 14 until the May timetable change in 2026, Northern will be running a rail replacement service between Ravensthorpe and Dewsbury, connecting to services for a number of destinations, to ensure our customers can continue to travel with as little impact to their journeys as possible.

“We recognise that the work taking place will lead to extended journey times for customers travelling from Ravensthorpe and thank them for their continued patience.”