A section of Uppermill High Street will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians on two weekends in April and May as part of major work on the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU).
The closures are necessary to carry out track renewal work on Saddleworth Viaduct, with public safety being the top priority during the works.
Planned Closure Dates:
- Saturday 26 April (6am) to Sunday 27 April (11am)
- Saturday 3 May (6am) to Sunday 4 May (11am)
In addition to the High Street closure, parts of Brownhill Lane, Den Lane, and the pedestrian path along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal will also be shut during these times.
Advance signage and clearly marked diversion routes will be put in place to help the local community navigate the closures. Moorgate Halt level crossing will remain open, with marshals assisting pedestrians to cross safely.
Impact on Train Services
Some train journeys between Manchester, Leeds and York will be affected during these weekends. Passengers are advised to check journey planners and National Rail before travelling.
Why the Closures Are Needed
Mark Ashton, Sponsor for TRU, said:
“While we carry out works as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade, the safety of the workforce and public are our number one priority.
We’re aware that this may cause some inconvenience, particularly over the bank holiday weekend, and we have been working closely with Oldham Council to reduce the impact as much as possible.
We really appreciate the local community’s patience and understanding while the work takes place.”
What’s Next for Saddleworth and the TRU
The Saddleworth area is set to benefit from a wider package of improvements under TRU, including:
- A fully accessible station at Greenfield
- Full electrification of the line
- Bridge upgrades to support new overhead line equipment (OLE)
These proposals were the subject of a public consultation in November 2024. Feedback is currently under review, and a Transport and Works Act Order application is expected to be submitted this summer.
Once complete, the TRU will deliver:
✅ Faster, greener trains
✅ More frequent and reliable services
✅ A modernised 70-mile railway between Manchester and York, via Huddersfield and Leeds
