Network Rail has opened tenders for a £100m programme partner to support the delivery of the Transpennine Route Upgrade.

The multi-billion-pound TRU railway electrification programme is transforming journeys across the Pennines, better connecting towns and cities like Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York. 

TRU runs on a whole industry operating model, where all parties are together as one team with a common purpose to improve transportation and communities across the North of England. 

This approach breaks down traditional boundaries between partners – in this case Network Rail, Department for Transport, train operating companies, routes and project delivery teams – to form Team TRU. 

TRU is looking for a programme partner that would collaborate with Network Rail to form a high performing, integrated programme delivery team which will work towards common objectives under a shared management plan. Key aspects of the integrated team’s roles include: 

• The organisation and management of the various projects on the programme and related interfaces 
• Ensuring the effective integration of all parts of the programme to deliver the railway transportation system 
• The provision of a single point of responsibility for the delivery of the programme by the due date and within the budget set 
• Managing time, cost, quality and safety 

Given the scale of the Transpennine Route Upgrade, the programme partner would be required to provide resource across multiple key areas of TRU. These key areas include project management, programme integration, data analytics, schedule monitoring, risk management, and strategic advisory/leadership. 

The TRU scope covers more than 70 miles of railway that serves 23 different stations, traversing 285 bridges and viaducts, passing through six miles of tunnels and 29 level crossings. 

Jo Griffiths, TRU programme director, said: “TRU is really moving ahead now with over 90% of the programme in design and delivery. People can see the work across our route each day and a programme partner is key in helping us deliver our goals on this transformative programme for train travel across the north.” 

In last year’s Autumn budget, chancellor Rachel Reeves committed to electrification in full for the TRU from York to Manchester.

The first part of line to run electric train services is now up and running between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge with plans for further electrification at Holgate near York later this year. 

The pre-qualification questionnaire period is now open and will close on Wednesday 5 March. Click here for details.