THE TRANSPENNINE Route Upgrade is celebrating the halfway mark at Stalybridge, as progress continues.

Over the last two weeks, engineers in Stalybridge have been working around the clock to deliver the biggest piece of work of the programme so far.

This includes a full junction remodelling, which will allow trains to move between different lines at higher speeds, as well as important signalling upgrades and works for future electrification.

The work, which is set to be completed by April 6, will see over 2km of new track, 25 new signals, 54 new switches and crossing components and overhead line equipment installed.

Passengers should allow extra time and plan ahead using the National Rail Journey Planner or their train operator’s website.

Hannah Lomas, Industry Programme Director for Transpennine Route Upgrade, said: "This package of work is the largest to date on the Transpennine Route Upgrade, so it’s a huge milestone for both the project and the programme as a whole.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank passengers for bearing with us while we complete these major upgrades.

“We do appreciate that there’s no ideal time to close the railway, but we hope that our work so far highlights just a small part of the long-term benefits that the Transpennine Route Upgrade is set to bring to rail travel.”