Electrification, systems and bridge upgrades along the rail line between Church Fenton and York has been completed today ( 5 August 2025), as part of the government’s £11 billion Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) pledge.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has described the completed project as a ‘step closer’ to more frequent and reliable trains across the North for thousands of passengers.

The faster trains are expected to reduce journey times by 10 minutes between York and Leeds, and by between 42 and 50 minutes from Manchester and Leeds.

There will now be up to 6 fast services per hour, according to the DfT, who believe this will make it easier people to get to work, do business and travel across the region.

Accessibility station improvements have also been put in place along the route to accommodate ease of access for those who need it at facilities across the busiest stations in the North.

James Richardson, Managing Director for Transpennine Route Upgrade, said: “Electric trains running between York and Church Fenton is a significant step forward in the Transpennine Route Upgrade programme.

We have reached a key milestone, as 25% of the route is now electrified, enabling greener, faster, and more reliable journeys between York, Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester in the future.

“The improvements are already bringing economic and social benefits along the route and wider communities across the North.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, added: “Electrification between Church Fenton and York was delivered on time and on budget, this government is investing in ambitious projects and seeing them through, delivering change in areas that desperately need it.”

As part of this new upgrade, the government also confirmed it is set to create over 5,000 jobs, support the development of 6,500 new homes and unlock commercial space along the North.