MAJOR works are continuing in the Mirfield area as part of a multi-billion pound railway upgrade.

Heavy plant machinery is in place at Heaton Lodge Junction, near Battyeford, where a new 1km stretch of 'curve' track is being created.

The work will increase capacity and linespeed as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU).

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The work west of Heaton Lodge Junction, looking towards Huddersfield The work west of Heaton Lodge Junction, looking towards Huddersfield (Image: T&A)

The work has already seen the demolition of a grand-looking house off Helm Lane, as well as the creation of a new access road off Bog Green Lane to allow diggers and other large machines to reach the semi-rural lineside site.

Heaton Lodge Junction is significant as the point where trains heading west out of Mirfield can turn sharply left towards Huddersfield or carry straight on towards Brighouse and the Calder Valley line. 

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: A visualisation of the new section of track at Heaton Lodge A visualisation of the new section of track at Heaton Lodge (Image: TRU planning document)

According to a planning document published prior to the work, the section of new railway track at Heaton Lodge will facilitate provision of the fast lines. The Scheme will deliver two new lines to the south of the junction which will "deconflict" train services as direct (express services) will be able to bypass the junction thereby improving journey time.

The fast lines will be within a cutting, up to 12m deep, while the slow lines will remain within the existing operational railway boundary with the line from Huddersfield to Leeds, the document stated.

The fact the new line will be in a cutting is expected to reduce its negative impact on the Green Belt.