Have say on rail upgrade
FRIDAY DEADLINE ON CONSULTATION FOR MASSIVE £1BN IMPROVEMENTS
THERE are only a couple more days to lodge your views about the ambitious rail widening and electrification project that could affect homes and businesses across Kirklees.
Network Rail is consulting on proposals to do a £1bn upgrade of the line between Huddersfield town centre and Westtown in Dewsbury.
The plans involve doubling the width of the lines in places between Huddersfield station and Ravensthorpe.
A large number of bridges between the two areas will have to be altered or replaced, which is expected to cause huge roads disruption.
Network Rail has been hosting public meetings to explain the project but those are all now complete. However people can still submit their feedback via an online form until Friday. This can be accessed at networkrail.co.uk/transpennineengagement and then clicking on the consultation portal.
Kieran Dunkin, principal programme sponsor for Network Rail, said: “Firstly, we would like to thank all those who have come to our events and submitted their feedback.
“We would encourage anyone who hasn’t provided feedback yet do so as this is a fantastic opportunity to have your say on our plans to improve the railway in your area which would better connect key cities, towns and communities across the North.”
The plans to improve the eight mile stretch of railway in Kirklees are part of the £2.9bn Transpennine upgrade.
Rail chiefs say it will allow more services, more seats for passengers and quicker journey times. The proposals also include improvements to Deighton, Mirfield and Ravensthorpe stations and either the installation of a bridge or a tunnel at
Ravensthorpe.
Once this first phase of public consultation closes, Network Rail will collate all feedback received to help further develop proposals. A second round of public engagement will be held in spring 2020, presenting the latest proposals.