UPGRADES to the railway between Huddersfield and Leeds have been completed.

The work is part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade, a multi-billion-pound project which Network Rail said would bring customers "faster, greener and more reliable trains" between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York.

Engineers worked around-the-clock between June 24 and July 19 to complete the work, which included the renewal of 1.5km of track, drainage work across 500m of railway, and the recovery of 3.4km of redundant cable, while a number of different ground surveys also took place.
 
Jonathan Hepton, sponsor on the Transpennine Route Upgrade, said: "I'd like to thank customers travelling between Huddersfield and Leeds over the last four weeks for their support as we delivered this vital work.

"The improvements will enable more reliable services that better connect towns and cities across the north."

Meanwhile, Network Rail has confirmed "major upgrades" are to take place at Huddersfield railway station. 

The work will "take passengers one step closer to a station truly fit for the 21st century", according to Network Rail.

It means that throughout August, services through Huddersfield will be affected each weekend - excluding the bank holiday (August 24 and 25) up to September 1.