R A I LT R AC K - The Railways Archive

Route characteristics
DESCRIPTION This geographic route is made up of a number of largely urban
routes centring on Leeds. These are mainly two track with linespeeds of up to
70mph. The Leeds and Bradford to Ilkley and Skipton section is an electrified
Route vision
Our vision for this vital network carrying passenger traffic and freight in Yorkshire
and Cumbria is to develop and encourage the continuing growth in travel around
and into the thriving commercial centre of Leeds. To achieve this aim, we will
expand capacity and capability for new and enhanced services.
Demand has grown strongly for services on this route and we expect the
trend to continue. To meet the demand, we are making capacity available for
both longer and additional trains. The major enhancements now under way at
Leeds (Route 8) provide the core capacity to meet this expansion and stimulate
additional passenger growth. The Leeds scheme will permit extra trains to
operate to both local and interurban destinations. This will offer further
opportunities for people seeking an alternative to the busy local road networks
and will be strengthened by expanded car-parking facilities and better bus
connections at local stations. New trains on the Leeds to Bradford, Ilkley and
Skipton routes are planned in 2000 which, in conjunction with the
enhancements at Leeds, will bring benefits of reduced journey times and
provision of additional seating.
To provide for the growth in traffic on the Settle–Carlisle section, we are
beginning a major three-year programme of track renewals this year. To confirm
our future development strategy for this line, we are undertaking a detailed
evaluation this year to understand the infrastructure needed to support freight
traffic and passenger growth beyond the current projections. We have also
These are the route improvements we plan to deliver
two-track railway with a linespeed of 90mph. The route through Settle to Carlisle
provides a transport link to more remote and rural areas, with predominant
linespeeds of 60mph.
reviewed the potential for passenger service opportunities. Our vision is for a
reliable mixed traffic route providing a vital transport service to local
communities and connecting key city destinations.
We are developing new service opportunities for this route. Work has
begun to open the rail connection between Halifax and Huddersfield. The
provision of new track is required to facilitate the services sponsored by West
Yorkshire PTE, which are planned for introduction on this route in May 2000. As
part of the scheme a new station will be built at Brighouse, a community which is
not currently served by rail. Further service developments for the local
communities will be possible once this new link is in place. Our customers are
developing proposals to provide a through Leeds–Glasgow service. We, with our
industry partners, wish to develop the Leeds–Barnsley–Sheffield service to
reduce journey times. This will support the South Yorkshire Centre of Excellence
transport initiative while working closely with South Yorkshire PTE.
We predict freight growth will rise in line with the rest of the network for
the majority of the route. We are currently evaluating the network impact of this
growth, especially the section of the route from Hare Park Junction (near
Wakefield) to Stourton (Leeds), Healey Mills and Thornhill (part of the proposed
high-gauge route, see Route 8) and Moorthorpe to Church Fenton (forming part
of the freight priority Routes, ECML Route 2).
CAPACITY CHANGES TO MEET FRANCHISING DIRECTOR, PTE AND CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS AND DELIVER ROUTE VISION
LOCATION PROPOSEDSOLUTION YEAR REF
Halifax–Huddersfield The reopening of the previously closed route between Dryclough Junction to Greetland and between 2000
Bradley Wood–Bradley Junction will see new passenger services running between Halifax and Huddersfield
Wharfedale and Airedale Route works and platform extensions are being undertaken to enable the Leeds North West route to be 2000
cleared for Class 333 train operation, which will provide additional seating and shorter journey times
Settle–Carlisle Further increases above those already predicted for freight traffic, and the possible introduction of new 2000
services to Glasgow, may require capacity on this route to be increased
A study to develop the best industry solution is currently under way and will report in summer
We have already increased the hours of the route’s operation through introduction of a night shift
Leeds–Barnsley journey-time improvements The resignalling and remodelling of Leeds will enable improved journey times between Leeds and Barnsley 2002
and increase reliability
Milford Junction Freight growth at this location will exceed current capacity 2003
Our solution is to enhance the layout to avoid conflicting moves around the junction and will be
completed by 2002, progressing as part of the ECML upgrade (see Route 2)
Leeds As part of ‘Leeds 1st’ project, a major scheme of works has begun to double track capacity 2002
(four to six tracks at the West end), by reducing journey times and improving train punctuality
The overall project included redevelopment of the station and this is well under way, providing
improvements in passenger access and new transport interchange facilities
C
B
E
A
D
A
303