AtkinsRéalis and Arcadis jointly appointed Transpennine Route Upgrade programme partner

Under the five-year Programme Partner framework, valued at up to £100 million with an option to extend up to eight years, an AtkinsRéalis-Arcadis joint venture will deliver key services including project management, programme controls and integration, data analytics, schedule monitoring, risk management, strategic advisory, and construction and commercial management.

The appointment reinforces both companies’ reputations as key delivery partners for major rail infrastructure programmes across the North of England, enhancing connectivity, capacity and economic growth.

The £10.7 billion TRU programme is the UK's largest rail upgrade project, modernising 122km of railway to significantly improve rail connections between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York. With multiple dedicated alliances and project teams working across the route, integrated programme management and project controls are essential to coordinate this complex delivery. The upgrade will cut journey times to as little as 63 minutes between Manchester and York and around 42 minutes between Manchester and Leeds, unlocking opportunities for businesses and communities while delivering greener travel through electrification of the entire route.

Central to the appointment was AtkinsRéalis' and Arcadis' commitment to regional growth and local talent. The companies will deploy expertise from their Manchester, York and Leeds offices and work extensively with local SMEs across the supply chain such as Manchester-based D2, creating opportunities for upskilling and leaving a lasting legacy for communities across the North.

Colette Carroll, AtkinsRéalis Managing Director – Transportation, UK & Ireland, said: “The Transpennine Route Upgrade is a transformational programme that will unlock significant growth opportunities for the North of England through faster, more reliable journeys and unlocking new east-west links. Our appointment as Programme Partner, alongside Arcadis, builds on nearly a decade of involvement in TRU and reflects our proven capability in delivering complex rail programmes. By leveraging our extensive local talent and working closely with regional supply chains, we will support strong programme delivery while investing in people and businesses that will sustain the North's rail network for generations to come.”

Paul Dennett, Arcadis Managing Director – Mobility, UK & Ireland, said: “I am proud of this appointment to support programme management for the Transpennine Route Upgrade. This milestone aligns perfectly with Arcadis’ core mission to improve quality of life by modernising rail connections across the North. The TRU will deliver faster, more reliable, and greener travel for millions, supporting regional growth and economic opportunity. By drawing on local talent and working closely with communities, we’re not just building better infrastructure—we’re helping to create lasting benefits for people and places across Manchester, Leeds, York and beyond.”

The appointment builds upon the longstanding involvement of both companies in the Transpennine Route Upgrade over a decade. Arcadis has delivered cost planning and estimating, expanding into programme controls, planning and commercial advisory. In February 2025, AtkinsRéalis was appointed to the TRU Lead Design Organisation framework to lead design integration for the 18-mile Stalybridge to Huddersfield section.

Both companies are already jointly delivering design of Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR), the Integrated Rail Plan (IRP), Network North, and the Enhancements Portfolio within Network Rail Eastern region through a separate £300 million development and design partnership framework.

Note to editors:

The value of the framework is an estimate only and subject to actual work commissioned over the contract period.

AtkinsRéalis brings proven expertise in complex programme delivery, including its work on the East Coast Digital Programme and East West Rail. The company is also leading the design of the Liverpool Central Station Gateway project, further demonstrating its capability in transforming rail infrastructure across the UK.

Arcadis brings decades of experience in bringing rail solutions across the North and around the world. From supporting the design of the new Curzon Street Station in Birmingham, to providing land management expertise to TfL, and reimagining Amsterdam’s largest rail facility, Arcadis brings expertise in digital-driven design, and fully integrated construction management solutions.

About AtkinsRéalis  

Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and deliver unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients in strategic sectors such as Engineering Services, Nuclear and Capital.  News and information are available at www.atkinsrealis.com or follow us on LinkedIn.