Update on Transpennine Route Upgrade at university event

On October 29, the university's Institute of Railway Research hosted the Railway Industry Association’s Electrification & Decarbonisation Group, and a variety of presentations and demonstrations were conducted, including by Network Rail representatives regarding TRU.

The project involves major works at Heaton Lodge Junction, near Battyeford, where a new 1km stretch of 'curve' track is being created, and also at Mirfield and Ravensthorpe stations.

Rambali Raghaven, lead discipline engineer for electrification at the TRU, and Tom Kemp, technical head of contact systems, gave participants an update on the upgrade.

Network Rail representatives shared an update on the Transpennine Route Upgrade at an event hosted at the University of Huddersfield's Institute of Railway Research (Image: Supplied)

Mr Kemp said: "It was a pleasure to be a part of the recent RIA Electrification TIG event at the University of Huddersfield.

"Having the opportunity to visit the world class test facilities on site, while also hearing from a range of interesting speakers on relevant topics, was fantastic.

"I’m looking forward to the next visit."

The October 29 meeting was for those interested in traction electrification, such as design, specification, installation, maintenance, and decommissioning of rolling stock and lineside elements.

This included solutions for cost-efficient rail electrification, and alternative paths to traction decarbonisation, such as battery and hydrogen trains.

The TRU is a multi-billion-pound railway programme that seeks to better connect passengers in the North between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York, upgrading and electrifying a 70-mile route which serves 23 stations.