Major Milestones Reached as Transpennine Route Upgrade Transforms Ravensthorpe

Major construction milestones are being reached in Ravensthorpe as the Transpennine Route Upgrade programme presses ahead following the station’s closure in December. Work is progressing at pace on the new Calder Road bridge and the Baker Viaduct, both of which are central to the wider transformation of the rail corridor through West Yorkshire.

As part of the scheme, a completely new Ravensthorpe station will be built around 200 metres west of the existing site. The replacement station will feature a footbridge equipped with lifts to provide step-free access, alongside a redesigned forecourt and drop-off area. An extended island platform is also planned, allowing longer trains with increased seating capacity to call at the station.

Two major infrastructure projects are underpinning these changes. Construction of the Calder Road bridge and the Baker Viaduct is advancing steadily, laying the foundations for future track and service improvements across the area.

At Calder Road, the installation of 20 pre-cast concrete beams was completed last year, and work is now focused on fitting parapets to finish the structure. Beneath the bridge, a box junction has been built to support new rail alignments as part of a four-tracking layout. This will allow fast services to pass stopping trains, helping to cut journey times.

Nearby, the Baker Viaduct is also taking shape. Sixteen of the 18 support columns are now in place, while structural steelwork has been erected for the first three spans. One of these spans crosses the historic Calder & Hebble Navigation Canal, with the viaduct also set to carry the railway over the River Calder.

The wider project includes the installation of overhead line equipment throughout the Ravensthorpe area, enabling electric trains to operate and supporting a shift towards lower-emission rail travel.

The Calder Road bridge and Baker Viaduct will ultimately be linked by a new grade-separated flyover. This will rely on extensive earthworks, including embankments and retaining walls. During 2025, around 130,000 cubic metres of material were placed across the Ravensthorpe triangle, with a similar amount planned this year to complete the works. Once finished, the upgrades are expected to support faster and more frequent services through the area and beyond.

Andrew Campbell, TRU sponsor, said:

“We made great strides across Ravensthorpe last year, and the recent closure of the station has helped us accelerate progress. We’re looking forward to a busy 2026 in the area, and are excited to deliver an improved, modernised station that will improve the customer experience and support better rail journeys across the North.”

Image: Network Rail