In The News | 4th October 2021 | Latest Rail News

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The latest rail news on Monday, 4th October

The Transport Secretary has signalled that the Eastern Leg of HS2 from Birmingham to Leeds could be at risk as ministers would no longer “blindly follow” years-old plans.

The article in the Yorkshire Post says that according to reporting in the Financial Times, priority will instead be given to the Manchester to Leeds Northern Powerhouse Rail project, which will be nicknamed HS3.

The HS2 link between Birmingham and Manchester will still be built, it is thought.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has welcomed news that the £105 million plans to transform Darlington railway station are a step closer following planning approval of the eastern gateway element of the scheme.

In June the formal planning applications for the eastern and western elements of the scheme were submitted to Darlington Borough Council, with the scheme aiming to  improve the frequency and reliability of services as well as connectivity along the East Coast Main Line and across the region.

Planning bosses have now approved the east side of the development, including a new entrance, station building, concourse and upgrade to its transport links.

Network Rail is aiming for a radical shake-up in the way renewals are delivered across its large southern region by appointing a new integrated collaborative team of firms to deliver a vast works programme over 10 years.

The article in Construction Enquirer says the fresh delivery approach will involve a switch to integrated and collaborative Project 13 principals of delivery for an estimated work programme of £4.5 billion to £9 billion over Control Period 7 and 8.

Its new Southern Integrated Delivery model will be used to deliver all categories of railway asset work including: signalling & telecoms, track, buildings & civils, electrification and plant and minor works.

A Northern train has been given the honorary name ‘Pride of Cumbria’ to celebrate 175 years of the railway in the region.  

The Furness Railway and Lakes Line opened in 1846, transforming the way goods and passengers were transported in the county. 

The Class 195 train’s new name was unveiled at a ceremony at Barrow-in-Furness station.

Photo credit: Northern

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