Ravensthorpe station closure: brand-new station to open in 2028

From Sunday 14 December, Ravensthorpe station will close until summer 2028 to facilitate Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) work on a new, modernised station 200m west of the current location.

The new Ravensthorpe station will have a footbridge with lifts for step-free access, along with a new forecourt and drop-off facilities. A new, longer island platform also means that longer trains with more seats for passengers will be able to stop there.

The station being moved 200m west from its current site means that a new four-track railway can be installed throughout the station footprint and beyond, which will enable direct services to overtake stopping services. This will also be helped by the construction of the new Baker Viaduct and reduce journey times between Manchester, Leeds and York.

Overhead line equipment (OLE) will also be installed throughout the area, powering greener, electric trains in the future.

Andrew Campbell, TRU sponsor, said:

“The upcoming closure of Ravensthorpe station marks the beginning of an important phase for the programme, as work intensifies until summer 2028.

“The station area, known as Ravensthorpe triangle, has already seen a great deal of progress, and is currently one of the biggest civil-engineering sites in the North. Work already underway includes the installation of concrete beams to form the new Calder Road bridge and the installation of piers for the new Baker Viaduct – both of which are helping enable major track realignment work for more reliable, smoother journeys across the Pennines.

“We’d like to thank the local community for their understanding as we deliver a modernised Ravensthorpe station which will support better rail travel across the region.”

Rail replacement bus services between Ravensthorpe and Dewsbury stations will be in operation throughout the closure to keep customers on the move, with customers urged to plan ahead at nationalrail.co.uk.

Andrew Allwright, TRU Programme Delivery Lead for Northern, said:

“The work to upgrade Ravensthorpe railway station, as well as the railway in the surrounding vicinity of the station, is key to the overall modernisation of the railway across the Pennines. The work done as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) will not only deliver benefits locally to Ravensthorpe, with a modern station that has longer platforms and upgraded facilities, but will also help deliver a greener railway, as well as faster and more reliable services for our customers.

“When Ravensthorpe station closes, from Sunday 14 December until the May timetable change in 2026, Northern will be running a rail replacement service from Ravensthorpe to Dewsbury, enabling connections to rail services, ensuring our customers can continue to travel with as little impact to their journeys as possible.

“We’d like to thank customers who use Ravensthorpe station for their patience while this vital work takes place. We strongly advise customers to plan ahead and check the National Rail Enquiries website when planning their journey.”