TRU PROJECT SPAN 1, HUDDERSFIELD
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is a major, multi-billion-pound programme of railway improvements, transforming journeys between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York.
Spanning 70 miles across the North of England, the project is delivering faster, more frequent, and more sustainable rail services – improving connectivity, reliability, and passenger experience across one of the UK’s busiest transport corridors.
As part of this extensive upgrade, EKSPAN were proud to deliver critical structural support works on Span 1 in Huddersfield, a pivotal section of the route and one of the project’s most technically challenging installations to date.
WHAT WE DELIVERED
Span 1 represented a groundbreaking scope of work for EKSPAN, requiring a large specialist team working 24 hours a day over 12 consecutive days to complete all works safely and on programme.
Our involvement covered a full range of temporary and precision engineering solutions, supporting the TRU Alliance with:
Our scope of works included:
- Pre-works installation of key elements ahead of blockade to mitigate risk and save over 8 hours on the critical path
- Development and execution of stool methodology for manoeuvring 1-tonne steel plinths into position once overhead lifting was no longer possible
- Provision of temporary works restraint to anchor the first deck lift and enable safe progression of subsequent steelwork
- Bespoke on-site jacking operations in collaboration with Arup engineers to track and fine-tune load distribution with 0.5mm precision
- Continuous monitoring and adjustments to ensure correct load transfer and safe, efficient installation sequence
- Completion and handback of the structure to the rail team on schedule, allowing Huddersfield Station to reopen to passengers on time
ENGINEERING PRECISION UNDER PRESSURE
To optimise the installation process, EKSPAN pre-installed critical components in the yard prior to the blockade.
This proactive approach reduced time pressure during live works and provided an opportunity to trial the innovative stool methodology.
The solution – rolling the steel stools on threaded bars – proved both simple and precise, allowing each one-tonne element to be perfectly aligned with the precision-engineered bearings.
COLLABORATION IN ACTION
During beam landing and restraint installation, EKSPAN’s temporary works provided the key structural anchor that the entire deck lift sequence relied upon.
Working hand-in-hand with the TRU Alliance and Arup design teams on behalf of BAM, our engineers carried out real-time jacking and load balancing – making micro-adjustments as small as 0.5mm to ensure the flexible deck performed exactly as intended.
This collaboration between design and construction exemplified best practice engineering in a live rail environment.
PROJECT OUTCOMES
- 8 hours saved on the critical path through pre-works innovation
- 24/7 continuous delivery over 12 days
- Successful installation of temporary and permanent support systems
- Zero incidents and on-time handback to the rail team
- Seamless collaboration between EKSPAN, TRU Alliance, and Arup
SUPPORTING UK INFRASTRUCTURE
The Transpennine Route Upgrade is reshaping rail travel across the North – delivering greener, faster, and more reliable journeys.
EKSPAN’s role on Span 1 highlights our ability to deliver precision engineering under pressure, combining technical expertise, teamwork, and innovative thinking to support the UK’s most complex infrastructure projects.
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