We are expecting the National Audit Office to publish their
report on the Transpennine Route Upgrade next Wednesday, July 20.
In their words...
The Transpennine route is an important rail connection for both
passengers and freight in the north of England, linking
Manchester and York, via Huddersfield and Leeds. The Department
for Transport (the Department) has identified that the route
needs improving as current slow journey times and limited
capacity are constraining East-West rail connectivity in the
North.
The Department and its delivery body, Network Rail, have planned
improvement works on this route since at least 2011, with the
scope of the work changing over time to meet different
priorities. Most recently in November 2021, as part of its
Integrated Rail Plan for the North and Midlands, the
Department established the Transpennine Route Upgrade as Phase 1
of its wider Northern Powerhouse Rail programme, along with a
revised scope and timetable.
This study will assess whether the Department and Network Rail’s
arrangements are set up to successfully deliver the Transpennine
Route Upgrade. It will examine:
- delivery of the Transpennine Route Upgrade programme to date;
- how the programme is now set up; and
- the objectives of the programme and their alignment with
wider Departmental priorities.
We hope to get an embargoed copy in advance of the publication
date and will get that to you as soon as we receive it.
