Work on over 370 engineering projects was carried out by Network Rail during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
Highlights included the completion of £161 million of upgrades at Leeds, which were formally opened by Rail Minister Wendy Morton on 4 January. Platforms have been lengthened and a new platform 0 created, in addition to remodelling of the track layout to reduce conflicting movements at the station throat. In the last phase of work between 25 December 2021 and 3 January 2022, the layout between platforms 4 and 6 was remodelled, platform 7 extended and more than 700 metres of track and overhead line equipment renewed. The station entrance has been upgraded with a taller station front, allowing more natural light into the station, while a new transparent roof has helped to make the concourse brighter.
Across the Pennines, there was further work as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade as track and signalling components were renewed near Manchester Victoria station. Four switches were replaced, two sections of overhead catenary installed and signalling equipment was upgraded.
In the West Midlands, platforms were extended at Albrighto…