Getting the upgrades we need for the Penistone Line is one of my top priorities - I've been working on this issue since I was first elected and I've asked Parliamentary Questions, worked with local rail user groups and collaborated with our local council, my fellow Members of Parliament for the area and local councillors and campaigners to make sure that we get the funding we need.
It's vital that we are able to upgrade the line and the stations so that we can secure the half-hourly service that will be a game changer for our rural areas.
And we've already had success! As part of the Government's Levelling Up funding, we've been awarded £48 Million to start improvements that we'll be able to feel the benefit of by 2026.
This will fund:
- Creating "mobility hubs" at stations including Denby Dale, including dnhanced station facilities, electric vehicle charging points, parcel delivery lockers, a car club and bike hire for the use of the whole community.
- Improvements to walking and cycling routes to all stations including Denby Dale, Shepley and Stocksmoor.
- Improved accessibility at all stations - specifically delivering step-free access at Shepley
- An additional section of double track to enable trains to pass if they are delayed. This section of double track will be an integral part of the scheme to deliver a half hourly service in the future.
- Improvements to line speeds between Denby Dale and Penistone, shortening journey times and improving performance and reliability
- Installation of fibre broadband alongside the railway which will improve train performance, safety and onboard connectivity (allowing passengers to stream movies etc). Additionally, the scheme will also be used by commercial operators to provide high speed (1gb) broadband along the route to villages such as Denby Dale and Shepley.
To see more of the work I've been doing to secure investment for the Penistone Line, click the links below to read the related news articles