The Arcadis–AtkinsRéalis joint venture has been appointed by Network Rail to support programme management for the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) through to the completion of the infrastructure project.
The five-year “Programme Partner” framework, valued at up to GBP 100 million, includes an option to extend for up to eight years. The Arcadis–AtkinsRéalis JV will deliver key services, including project management, programme controls and integration, data analytics, schedule monitoring, risk management, strategic advisory, and construction and commercial management.
This appointment strengthens both companies’ reputations as key delivery partners for major rail infrastructure programmes in the North of England, enhancing connectivity, capacity, and economic growth.
The GBP 10.7 billion TRU programme is the UK’s largest rail upgrade project, modernising 122 km of railway to significantly improve connections between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York.
With multiple dedicated alliances and project teams along the route, integrated programme management and project controls are essential to coordinate this complex delivery. The upgrade will reduce journey times to around 63 minutes between Manchester and York and about 42 minutes between Manchester and Leeds, opening up new opportunities for businesses and communities, while providing a greener travel option through full electrification of the route.
A central element of this contract is the commitment of Arcadis and AtkinsRéalis to regional growth and local talent. The companies will deploy expertise from their offices in Manchester, York, and Leeds and work extensively with local SMEs in the supply chain, such as Manchester-based D2, creating upskilling opportunities and leaving a lasting legacy for communities across the North of England.
The Arcadis–AtkinsRéalis joint venture builds on both companies’ long-standing involvement in the Transpennine Route Upgrade over more than a decade. Arcadis has delivered cost planning and estimating services, later expanding into programme controls, planning, and commercial advisory. In February 2025, AtkinsRéalis was appointed under the TRU Lead Design Organisation framework to lead design integration for the 29 km Stalybridge to Huddersfield section
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