Major works will take place near to Deighton Railway Station and around the A62 Leeds Road over Christmas.

From 10.15pm on Christmas Eve through to 5.30am on Sunday December 27 – while no trains are running – Whitacre Street overbridge will be demolished, while the A62 Leeds Road bridge will see pre-cast concrete parapets installed by a crane.

Both sets of bridge work form a vital part of the TransPennine Route Upgrade’s modernisation of Deighton station. The station is currently closed and will remain so until 2027.

The closure is to allow track realignment works which will double the lines from two to four, meaning direct services can overtake stopping services and reduce journey times. Overhead line equipment is also needed to run electrified trains.

The TRU says there will be no additional road closures and that diversionary routes currently in place in the area remain the same.

Deighton station will be transformed when it reopens in 2027. Key improvements include:

• Extended platforms to accommodate longer trains with more seats for passengers;
• A brand-new footbridge with lifts for step-free access to both platforms;
• A new station forecourt, including a drop-off point, accessible parking and improved waiting shelters.

Sophie Leishman, TRU sponsor, said: “We’d like to thank the local community for their understanding as we work to deliver major upgrades for Deighton station.

“The Christmas period is always a good opportunity for work to be completed as there is minimum disruption to services.

“The work on both bridges during this time will take us a step closer to a much-improved Deighton station and improved rail services through the area and beyond.”