Great North Rail Project: 2026 Construction Update

Great North Rail Project upgrades Northern England’s railway network, improving connectivity and journey times through electrification and infrastructure improvements. Railway sector news.

Great North Rail Project: 2026 Construction Update
July 20, 2018 12:36 pm
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Project Profile: The Great North Rail Project (GNRP)

The Great North Rail Project (GNRP) is a multi-billion-pound infrastructure programme delivered by Network Rail to modernise the railway across Northern England. The project focuses on enhancing network capacity, reducing journey times, and improving passenger connectivity through targeted electrification, signaling modernisation, and strategic infrastructure upgrades.

AttributeDetails
Project NameGreat North Rail Project (GNRP)
LocationNorthern England (Key routes including Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Preston, Blackpool)
LengthOver 300km of track electrified; 122km on Transpennine Route
SpeedUpgrades enable faster acceleration and improved overall journey times
Estimated CostExceeding £1.3 Billion (Based on major components)
StatusLargely Operational, with ongoing enhancements on specific routes
Key ContractorsNetwork Rail (Client), Siemens, VolkerRail, J Murphy and Sons, BAM Nuttall, Amey

Technical Specifications

A central pillar of the GNRP is the extensive electrification of key routes using 25kV, 50Hz overhead line equipment (OLE). This facilitates the deployment of Electric Multiple Units (EMUs), which offer superior performance, lower emissions, and greater capacity compared to legacy diesel fleets. The programme also involved significant civil engineering works to achieve compliance, including bridge reconstructions and tunnel modifications to accommodate the new catenary systems.

Structurally, a key intervention was the construction of the Ordsall Chord in Manchester. This 300-metre asymmetric network arch bridge created a vital link between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria stations for the first time, unlocking significant network capacity and enabling new direct services to Manchester Airport. Further upgrades along the Transpennine and Calder Valley lines included track renewals, junction remodelling, and the modernisation of signalling systems to improve operational flexibility, safety, and headway between services.

Key Takeaways

  • Enhanced Regional Connectivity: By physically linking key hubs like Manchester’s main stations and upgrading routes like the Halton Curve near Liverpool, the GNRP has fundamentally improved network cohesion and created new journey opportunities across the North.
  • Sustainable Modernisation: The shift from diesel to electric traction on over 300km of track represents a significant step towards decarbonising rail travel in the region, reducing both carbon emissions and noise pollution.
  • Capacity and Reliability Boost: Through a combination of station upgrades (e.g., Liverpool Lime Street), modernised signalling, and additional track, the project addresses critical bottlenecks, allowing for more frequent and reliable passenger services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the primary goal of the Great North Rail Project?

The primary goal of the Great North Rail Project was to stimulate economic growth and improve passenger travel in Northern England by upgrading the rail network. This was achieved by increasing capacity, electrifying major routes for faster and greener trains, and enhancing connectivity between key towns and cities.

Who is responsible for the Great North Rail Project?

The Great North Rail Project was led and managed by Network Rail, the owner of the UK’s railway infrastructure. However, it was delivered through a collaborative partnership with numerous specialist engineering and construction contractors, including Siemens for signaling and electrification, and firms like VolkerRail and BAM Nuttall for civil engineering and track work.