The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) will deliver "lasting value" for Huddersfield, the government has said, though the impact of disruption has not gone un-noticed.
Assurances were given in response to a question from MP for Huddersfield, Harpreet Uppal at Transport Questions. Here, Ms Uppal drew attention to the scale of investment underway across the region as part of the TRU and the £70m modernisation and reconstruction of Huddersfield's railway station.
In her question to Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, Ms Uppal also noted that residents had faced disruption due to upgrade works, in particular the temporary railway station closure over the summer. She stressed the importance of ensuring that "the economic and social benefits of this investment will be utilised to help regenerate and benefit communities" in Huddersfield.
In response, the Secretary of State recognised the impact of the works on Huddersfield residents and offered assurances that the upgrade programme is focused on delivering lasting value for the town. She acknowledged that residents in Huddersfield "have had to put up with some significant disruption in recent months," but said that she remains confident that when the work is complete, Huddersfield will have a "railway station built for the future."
Ms Alexander also said that Huddersfield's communities will feel the benefits of the upgrade. She highlighted the work of the TRU team with local partners to ensure the scheme delivers long-term social and economic benefits which she said will include: "supporting skilled jobs, improving connectivity and creating opportunities right now for local supply chains."
Ms Uppal added: "I am pleased the Secretary of State recognised the disruption people in Huddersfield faced during the 30-day closure of Huddersfield railway station, and I welcome her assurances that this major investment will deliver real improvements for our town.
"The TRU is the largest rail infrastructure project in the country and has enormous potential not only to transform journeys but to boost jobs, skills and economic growth locally. I will continue to work with government and regional partners to ensure Huddersfield gets its fair share of the benefits."