Transpennine Route Upgrade lays foundations for more connected north

A project initiated by the Freight Safe Programme and delivered by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) has led to the emergence of a new service, designed to help inform rail freight operators of emerging risks.

Following the government’s announcement of £1.1 billion allocated for Northern Powerhouse Rail, Network Rail said it reinforced the importance of continued investment in rail infrastructure across the north of England.#

This comes as the £11 billion Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is underway.

The TRU project is set to be completed for 2033 and expected to match London’s Crossrail in efficiency. Main benefits of completion include improved rail capacity, a reduction in congestion and quicker journey times (such as reducing the journey between Manchester to Leeds to 42 minutes).

Network Rail has reported that TRU is on time and on budget as it works to upgrade the existing Transpennine main line for 70 miles between York and Manchester.

Thus far, a quarter of the line is now electrified and £100 million has been invested in three dedicated diversionary routes to ensure freight and passenger services remain on the move during the construction phase.

By the end of the year, improvements at four stations will have been completed, with 23 stations, 285 bridges and viaducts being upgraded.

Capacity for freight is also being created with up to 15 new intermodal paths per day and the widening of tunnels to allow shipping containers to travel between ports on the east and west coasts via rail.

Logistics UK’s Senior Policy Manager Alexandra Herdman said:

“The news that the Transpennine Route Upgrade is underway is welcomed by Logistics UK and its members. New rail paths are vital to unlock capacity and support rail freight growth.

“Increasing rail capacity and reducing congestion will support supply chain resilience and allow greater opportunity for more businesses to choose rail freight.

“Proposed developments and plans must benefit freight, as well as passenger services, to ensure that the sector can continue to grow and meet ambitions.”

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