More images released as public consultation opens on TRU Stalybridge to Saddleworth plans

More images have been released showing the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) changes coming to the railway and stations between Stalybridge tunnel and Diggle (Saddleworth).

The public consultation on this area of the route is now open and will close on October 25, 2024.

A virtual consultation room and feedback form is available at: www.networkrail.co.uk/stalybridgetodiggle

Further images show the relocated Mossley station, and the upgraded Greenfield station.

Both will see accessibility improvements for the first time in their history. 

Images have also been released of how overhead line equipment (OLE) will be sensitively installed on the historic Uppermill Viaduct, also known as Saddleworth Viaduct.

The locations of the OLE masts have been considerately designed to avoid the most visible areas of the viaduct where possible. 

Oldham Road Bridge will be reconstructed by TRU, to facilitate the installation of OLE and to allow larger freight trains to pass through.

New images show a footbridge is to be constructed from Oldham Road to Shaw Hall Bank Road adjacent to the existing Oldham Road Bridge.

This will separate pedestrians from traffic and improve safety. 

Alongside the online public consultation, there will be three in-person drop-in events to view the plans and speak with TRU staff: 

September 18, 2024 3pm-8pm St Peters RC Church, 119 Brierley Street, Stalybridge SK15 2E 

September 19, 2024 3pm-8pm Saddleworth Rangers RLFC, Shaw Hall Bank Road, Greenfield OL3 7LD 

September 20, 2024 3pm-8pm Mossley Methodist Church, Chapel Street, Mossley OL5 0EX 

Mark Ashton, TRU Sponsor, said: “The Transpennine Route Upgrade wants to take the public with us on this transformational journey for rail in the North of England.

"Our proposals from Stalybridge to Diggle will bring substantial benefits to rail passengers and businesses in this area.

“It is vital that we hear the opinions of the public through our consultation, in order to develop our plans and designs, as we move towards delivering the scheme in the coming years.” 

Craig Harrop, Regional Director for Northern, said: "Our stations at Mossley and Greenfield will be transformed by the Transpennine Route Upgrade over the coming years, becoming fully accessible for the first time in their histories amongst a whole range of other customer-focussed improvements.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for our communities to share their views on what they want to see at these stations, and I'm really excited to hear their ideas as we move forwards into the next phase of design work."

TRU is a major, multi-billion-pound rail industry partnership that will transform journeys across the North, better-connecting towns and cities through more frequent, faster, greener trains between Manchester, Leeds and York, running on a better, cleaner and more reliable railway. 

Following the consultation process, TRU will consider all the feedback received from the local community and other stakeholders.

A Transport and Works Act Order application will then be submitted to the Secretary of State in Summer 2025. 

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