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Between August 30 and September 29, no trains will run through or stop at Huddersfield Railway Station in West Yorkshire. While the station is closed, the tracks and platforms are going to be completely updated, which will ‘transform the layout of the station and enable more trains with more seats to run through the area on a greener, more reliable railway’, according to Network Rail.
Commuters who rely on Huddersfield Railway Station face significant disruption as the major transport hub is set to close entirely for a full month, from August 30th to September 29th. This closure is part of a substantial £70 million makeover aimed at modernising the station and facilitating the ambitious Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU).
While the exact number of British South Asian and British Bangladeshi individuals affected by the Huddersfield station closure isn't specified, given that the station serves approximately 10,000 daily passengers and connects Huddersfield to major cities with significant South Asian communities like Manchester, Leeds, and Bradford, it's reasonable to assume that a notable proportion of these 10,000 journeys are made by individuals from these communities. The month-long closure will therefore necessitate alternative travel arrangements for a substantial number of British South Asian and British Bangladeshi commuters who regularly rely on Huddersfield station for work, education, and visiting family and friends, Daily Dazzling Dawn understand.
The temporary shutdown will mean no trains will run through or stop at the station during this period, impacting the estimated 10,000 passengers who use it daily. While three of the station's six platforms are scheduled to reopen on a temporary basis at the end of September, the complete overhaul of tracks and platforms will continue as part of the TRU, a project described by TRU sponsor Gareth Hope as "key to improving the journeys of millions of people across the north."
Network Rail has stated that the extensive works will "transform the layout of the station and enable more trains with more seats to run through the area on a greener, more reliable railway." This modernisation is also crucial for future planned upgrades at the Grade II listed station, including the restoration of its historic tea rooms and the construction of a new footbridge. The station's canopy roof has already been refurbished as part of this significant investment.
The entire project is anticipated to be completed by 2027. Gareth Hope emphasised the importance of this phase, calling the 30-day closure "one of the most important projects across the entire TRU programme." He added that this concentrated period of work will "allow us to take a giant leap towards giving the station a deserved makeover without harming its heritage."
During the closure, travellers are advised to use Brighouse station, located approximately three and a half miles north of Huddersfield, as an alternative gateway to the town. Huddersfield station is a vital stop on the North TransPennine route, providing crucial connections to major cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, and Edinburgh. Additionally, several Northern Trains services operate from Huddersfield to destinations like Sheffield and Bradford, further highlighting the significant impact of this temporary closure.
The station holds a special place in the hearts of many, having been the long-time home of Felix, the beloved "Senior Pest Controller" cat who sadly passed away in December 2023. While the focus is now on the station's future, the temporary closure will undoubtedly be a noticeable change for the many who pass through its doors each day. Commuters are urged to plan their journeys in advance and consider alternative travel arrangements during the month-long shutdown. The long-term benefits of the upgrade, however, promise a more modern and efficient railway experience for the region.
