Jacobs Appointed Integration Delivery Partner for Transpennine Route Upgrade

Network Rail has appointed Jacobs to serve as the Technical Services Integration Delivery Partner for the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU).

This infrastructure programme aims to enhance rail connectivity across the North of England. It will improve journey times, increase service frequency, and enhance reliability along the 70-mile route between York and Manchester via Leeds and Huddersfield.

Transpennine Route Upgrade© Transpennine Route Upgrade

Under an eight-year framework, Jacobs will provide technical system integration services throughout the development and construction phases of the programme. Its responsibilities include cross-project integration, technical change control, development engineering, and business case production.

Kate Kenny, Jacobs’ Executive Vice President said:

The Transpennine Route Upgrade will deliver significant benefits by moving more essential goods by rail, bringing better journeys to passengers, advancing decarbonisation efforts and fostering community prosperity. Our extensive experience on TRU and other essential rail investments will support a sustainable approach that meets the needs of the community.

Jacobs has previously provided asset management services for TRU, including performance modelling and the development of a digital twin for the programme.

It also led the BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology) Infrastructure assessment for the Leeds Station Capacity improvement project, the first TRU initiative to achieve an ‘Excellent’ rating.

In 2024, Jacobs supported Network Rail in introducing electric trains on the route’s eastern section from Manchester and managing key infrastructure closures for upgrade works.