Arcadis has strengthened its position in the UK rail sector after being appointed by Network Rail as Programme Partner for the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), supporting programme management through to completion.
The appointment will be delivered through a joint venture with AtkinsRéalis under a five‑year Programme Partner framework valued at up to £100 million, with an option to extend the contract to eight years.
Under the framework, Arcadis will provide a comprehensive programme management service, including programme and project management, programme controls and integration, data and performance analytics, schedule monitoring, risk management, strategic advisory, and construction and commercial management. These capabilities are designed to improve delivery certainty across complex, multi‑site rail enhancement programmes.
The role further reinforces Arcadis’ presence in the UK rail market at a time when major infrastructure clients are seeking stronger programme controls, enhanced digital insight and robust governance to ensure safe, on‑time and on‑budget delivery.
Managing the UK’s largest rail upgrade programme
The £10.7 billion Transpennine Route Upgrade is the largest rail upgrade project in the UK, involving the modernisation of 122 kilometres of railway to improve connectivity between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York.
Delivery of the programme is being carried out through multiple alliances and project teams across the route. This structure places a premium on integrated programme management, strong project controls and data‑led performance oversight to manage interfaces, control risk and maintain momentum across the programme.
Once complete, TRU is expected to cut journey times to as little as 63 minutes between Manchester and York, and around 42 minutes between Manchester and Leeds. The programme will also support greener travel, including the electrification of the route, contributing to wider decarbonisation objectives for the UK rail network.
Strong regional footprint and local delivery focus
Arcadis’ delivery model for TRU is underpinned by its strong regional presence and commitment to developing local capability. The team will draw on expertise from Arcadis’ Manchester, York and Leeds offices, while working closely with local SMEs across the supply chain to support skills development and generate long‑term social value for communities across the North of England.
Heather Polinsky, CEO, Arcadis said:
“I am proud of this appointment to support programme management for the Transpennine Route Upgrade. This milestone aligns perfectly with Arcadis’ core mission to improve quality of life by modernising rail connections across the North. The TRU will deliver faster, more reliable, and greener travel for millions, supporting regional growth and economic opportunity. By drawing on local talent and working closely with communities, we’re not just building better infrastructure - we’re helping to create lasting benefits for people and places across Manchester, Leeds, York and beyond.”
Building on a decade of TRU experience
The appointment builds on more than ten years of Arcadis’ involvement in the Transpennine Route Upgrade. During this time, the company has supported the programme through cost planning and estimating, before expanding its role into programme controls, planning and commercial advisory.
This continuity provides Arcadis with a deep understanding of TRU’s delivery environment, interfaces and stakeholder requirements, positioning the joint venture to support the programme effectively as it progresses through its final stages towards completion.
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