Arcadis has been appointed by Network Rail as Programme Partner for the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), supporting programme management through to completion of the major rail scheme.
The role will be delivered through a joint venture with AtkinsRéalis under a five-year framework valued at up to £100 million, with the option to extend to eight years.
As Programme Partner, Arcadis will provide a range of services including programme and project management, programme controls, risk management, data and performance analytics, and commercial and construction management. The role is designed to support coordination across multiple sites and delivery teams working on the route.
The TRU programme, valued at £10.7 billion, is the largest rail upgrade project currently underway in the UK. It will modernise 122 kilometres of railway, improving connectivity between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York.
Once complete, journey times are expected to fall to around 63 minutes between Manchester and York, and approximately 42 minutes between Manchester and Leeds. The programme also includes electrification works to support lower-carbon travel.
Arcadis has been involved in the TRU programme for more than a decade, previously providing services including cost planning and commercial advisory. The new appointment extends its role into programme-wide management and oversight.
Heather Polinsky, Chief Executive of Arcadis, said the appointment reflects the importance of the scheme.
“The Transpennine Route Upgrade is a major project that will deliver faster, more reliable and greener journeys across the North,” she said. “We will work closely with partners to support delivery and ensure the programme remains on track.”
The company said it will draw on teams based in Manchester, Leeds and York, and work with local suppliers to support delivery across the route.
The upgrade is being delivered through multiple alliances and project teams, with integrated programme management seen as critical to maintaining progress and managing risk across the scheme.
