Network Rail has announced it has completed the last stage of the biggest track upgrade at Leeds station in 20 years. GBP 161 million (EUR 192.6 million) is the total value of the project.
The work team has successfully remodelled between 25 December 2021 and 3 January 2022. The new layout improves the way trains move in and out of the station which will help to reduce delays.
Further upgrades included installing over 1500 metres of new electric wires, used to power some trains, and renewing over 200 metres of track to improve reliability. Platform 7 was also extended, allowing longer trains to serve the platform.
To complete the project, six engineering trains have been used for lifting and carrying tools and resources, two tamping machines for packing stones under the rails for stability, one wiring unit – used for installing electric wires which power some trains and 15 road-rail vehicles, used for transporting equipment to site.
“These important improvements at Leeds station make it easier for us to run more trains on time right across the North. We had to run some bus replacement services over the course of the festive period and Covid also affected some services, so thanks to all those passengers who chose to travel,” Matt Rice, North and East Route Director for Network Rail, said.
Leeds intends to develop the rail transport and has plans for a new station which obtained approval from the Senior councillors in June 2021. The White Rose train station will be constructed in the southern part of the city and will be located on the Transpennine rail route. The project has received planning permission and is regarded as a shovel-ready infrastructure project that will play a crucial part in connecting people in communities such as Cottingley, Churwell and Millshaw to jobs, education and training opportunities, while at the same time boosting the city’s response to the climate emergency.
It will also act as a catalyst for the re-imagining of the neighbouring White Rose office park, which is owned by property development and investment company Munroe K. The new station is forecast to cost around GBP 22 million (EUR 26.3 million) and is being delivered via a collaboration between Leeds City Council, Munroe K, Network Rail and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
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