Internal documents obtained by The Oldham Times have shown plans for upgrades to Greenfield station as part of a £3.9 billion funding boost.
The railway station, Saddleworth’s last remaining following the closures of Diggle and Uppermill in the 20th century, is not fully accessible to those who cannot climb steps.
Now, plans have revealed that the station is set to receive a ‘major upgrade’, with construction anticipated to be completed between 2026 and 2027.
While the Manchester-bound platform has step-free access to the street, those looking to travel towards Huddersfield, or from Manchester, must be able to climb and descend a combined 48 steps to access the platform.
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Documents show plans for Greenfield
Documents obtained by The Oldham Times under the Environmental Information Regulations show that plans, which are not final, are in development for the current footbridge to be removed.
A new bridge is planned to be installed with lifts to each platform, which documents state will make the station ‘fully accessible’.
Planners are also assessing the implications of moving the footbridge to the west of the station.
Platforms at Greenfield will be extended to 150 metres, meaning longer trains with more space and seats can stop at the station.
The works will take place as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade, which will see overhead wires installed along the route between Manchester and York, via Leeds and Huddersfield, meaning electric-powered trains can be used.
Earlier this year, Greenfield station had no trains for 40 days as electrification works took place at Stalybridge, as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade.
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£3.9 billion ‘funding boost’
Funding for the project comes from a £3.9 billion funding tranche confirmed by Rail Minister Huw Merriman on Monday, December 4.
Speaking on Monday, he said: “The Transpennine Route Upgrade represents the first major step in delivering transformed east-west connectivity in the north and I’m delighted to announce this multi-billion-pound funding boost to move to the next stage of delivery.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates this government’s commitment to delivering its Network North plan which will improve journeys, help to level up regions and grow the economy.”
Commenting after the funding announcement, Neil Holm, Managing Director for the Transpennine Route Upgrade, said: “Transpennine Route Upgrade is well underway with building the infrastructure that bring passengers more frequent, faster, greener trains, that run on a better, cleaner and more reliable railway for generations to come.”
“This commitment by the government to our programme allows us to move two of our largest projects from design into construction and delivery. It brings us one big step closer to delivering the future of rail travel in the North of England.”
According to Network Rail, the latest round of funding will see carbon emissions reduced by 108,000 tonnes per year, with a scope for 15 extra freight trains to be in use per day.
A spokesperson for Transpennine Route Upgrade said: “Following the announcement of a further £3.9 bn of Department for Transport funding on Monday, Transpennine Route Upgrade is moving forward with plans to upgrade stations across the route between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York.
“This includes exciting plans at Greenfield station, which will be revealed in more detail in due course through a consultation process.
“We’re transforming journeys across the North, better connecting towns and cities through more frequent, faster trains, running on a cleaner, greener and more reliable railway.”
Other stations set for upgrade too
The Transpennine Route Upgrade will see the entire route between Manchester and York electrified, with a new digital signalling system, by the mid-2030s.
Additionally, the number of tracks will increase from two to four between Huddersfield and Westtown in Dewsbury.
The latest announcement means the government has invested a total of £6.9 billion into the route upgrade, with the overall cost of the project set to reach £11.5 billion.
Stations set to receive accessibility upgrades from the latest funding round include:
- Mossley
- Greenfield
- Marsden
- Slaithwaite
- Huddersfield
- Deighton
- Mirfield
- Ravensthorpe
- Dewsbury
- Batley
- Morley
- Cross Gates
- Garforth
Northern and Network Rail were approached for comment on this story.
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