In his keynote speech at TransCityRail North 2025, Transpennine Route Upgrade’s James Richardson explored one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects currently underway in Northern England.
The monumental initiative aims to enhance rail connectivity and capacity across the Pennines, ultimately transforming the way people and goods move throughout the region. In order to pass on his expertise, James shared his insights into the various aspects of TRU, highlighting its significance not just for rail passengers but for the economy as a whole.
With 5,000 people currently working on the project, TRU is set to create thousands of jobs and stimulate local economies.
One of the key features of the upgrade is the electrification of the railway, which has already seen 25% of the route electrified. This move is expected to cut journey times significantly, with reductions of up to 14 minutes between key cities such as Manchester and York. Moreover, the project will increase the railway's capacity by 30%, making it more reliable and efficient for both passengers and freight services.
Sustainability is a central theme of the TRU, with the project anticipated to remove 87,000 tonnes of carbon from the network annually. The introduction of new freight paths will also alleviate road congestion, taking thousands of lorries off the roads.
James also emphasised the importance of community engagement, noting that the project has already generated £2.2 billion in social value for the communities involved. This includes significant investment in local businesses and the development of skills for future generations, with plans for over 600 apprenticeships.
Exploring the challenges of delivering such a large-scale project in a live environment, James explained how collaboration across the rail industry is crucial to achieving the desired outcomes. The integration of various teams and stakeholders is essential for maintaining passenger services while the upgrade is underway.
