Rail North welcomes ‘heavy infrastructure’ move at heart of rail revolution

Ordsall Chord Bridge linking Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria stations

Rail North today, 22 February, welcomed news that the UK’s largest crane, with help, has moved into place some key elements of the North’s emerging new rail system.

Two massive arches were craned into position yesterday to carry a new link that will ease congestion and unleash new routes across the North’s rail network. They now stand proud on a stretch of line called the Orsdall Chord linking Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria stations.

The new link will open up a series of new routes between east and west and marks the symbolic start of a rail revolution set to bring £2.5billion of investment to the North as part of what is becoming known as the Great North Rail Project.

Sir Richard Leese, Chair of the Association of Rail North partner authorities, said: “The Ordsall Chord link is just one piece in a pipeline of rail improvement projects that will eventually transform the experience of travelling by rail.

“New stations, new trains, refurbishment of carriages and more frequent services with greater capacity will all become the norm in the months and years ahead. The changes really began when we launched the two new rail franchises in the North just under a year ago. Now momentum is beginning to build, and, just like our trains, it will continue gathering pace as we move ahead. By 2019 the passenger experience will be totally transformed.”

The new Northern and TransPennine franchises are introducing 500 new carriages between them and both are embarking on ‘as-new’ refurbishment of retained rolling stock. There is a commitment in the North to say farewell to the infamous ‘Pacer’ trains by the end of 2019.

“Add to this the fact that Network Rail is investing £1 billion in track and infrastructure improvements, and that TransPennine Express is investing £18million in station improvements and Northern £30 million on station improvements and it is understandable why people are now claiming this is the biggest investment in rail since the Industrial Revolution – even if it is long overdue,” said Sir Richard.

Crucially, on what are acknowledged to be some of Britain’s most over-crowded lines, the enhancements will bring with them a 37% increase in capacity, creating space for 31,000 extra passengers travelling into the five key commuter cities of the North during morning rush-hour and offering them more frequent services.

“Driving these changes and getting the best out of them in the most co-ordinated way will be critical,” said Sir Richard, “that’s why Rail North, working with Transport for the North, and the national providers, including HS2, are all working together in a way that has never been seen before in this country.”

With Rail North’s sister organisation, Transport for the North, on the cusp of becoming England’s first sub-national transport authority, this is an opportunity for the region to shape future decision-making on major transport infrastructure investments for decades to come.

“What this means,” said Sir Richard, “is that decision-making on key infrastructure projects, such as the Great North Rail Project, will be locally informed and not simply driven by those in the capital hundreds of miles away. This is good for central government because the investment is carefully targeted and good for the North because it is putting the money where it matters and it is supporting economic growth.”