Network Rail has announced the opening of tenders for a £100 million programme partner to aid in the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU). This extensive railway electrification project aims to revolutionise travel across the Pennines, enhancing connections between key cities such as Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York.
The TRU initiative adopts a whole-industry operating model, uniting all stakeholders into a cohesive team with a shared goal of improving transportation and communities in Northern England. This collaborative approach dissolves traditional barriers between partners, including Network Rail, the Department for Transport, train operating companies, routes, and project delivery teams, collectively known as Team TRU.
TRU seeks a programme partner to join forces with Network Rail, forming a high-performing, integrated programme delivery team. This team will work towards common objectives under a unified management plan.
Key aspects of the integrated team’s roles include:
- The organisation and management of the various projects on the Programme and related interfaces
- Ensuring the effective integration of all parts of the Programme to deliver the railway transportation system
- The provision of a single point of responsibility for the delivery of the programme by the due date and within the budget set
- Managing time, cost, quality and safety
Due to the extensive nature of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), the programme partner will need to offer resources across several critical areas. These areas include project management, programme integration, data analytics, schedule monitoring, risk management, and strategic advisory/leadership.
The TRU project spans over 70 miles of railway, serving 23 stations, crossing 285 bridges and viaducts, passing through six miles of tunnels, and navigating 29 level crossings.
Jo Griffiths, TRU Programme Director, said:
“TRU is really moving ahead now with over 90% of the programme in design and delivery".
“People can see the work across our route each day and a programme partner is key in helping us deliver our goals on this transformative programme for train travel across the north.”
In last year’s Autumn budget, the chancellor Rachel Reeves, committed to electrification in full for the TRU from York to Manchester. The first part of line to run electric train services is now up and running between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge with plans for further electrification at Holgate near York later this year.
The pre-qualification questionnaire period is now open and will close on Wednesday 5 March. For further information, please visit https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/003505-2025
Image credit: Network Rail
