A new £46.5 million train depot has opened to support rail services across the North.

The Hillhouse Light Maintenance Depot in Huddersfield will help keep trains running smoothly as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), a multi-billion pound project to improve rail links between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York.

The 24-hour facility, which stands on the historic Hillhouse Sidings, features five maintenance lines and can service up to 24 carriages at a time.

Rob Warnes, Northern’s strategic development director, said: “We’re delighted this depot is now open, following years of hard work and millions of pounds of investment.

“It will play a vital role in ensuring services are in an excellent condition and run smoothly for passengers along the upgraded Transpennine Route.”

Initially, engineers will work on diesel trains, with future plans to accommodate electric and bi-mode units.

Paul Sumner, senior sponsor for the TRU, added: “The opening of Hillhouse Light Maintenance Depot is another fantastic milestone for the TRU.

“By transforming this site into a modern, state-of-the-art facility, we’re helping to ensure trains are kept in the best possible condition for passengers across the North.”

The TRU aims to deliver faster, more frequent and more reliable trains across the 76-mile route.