ETCS in Network Rail’s trans-Pennine upgrade plan

Network Rail intends to install signalling that is ready for European Train Control System (ETCS) between Stalybridge and Cottingley as part of its trans-Pennine upgrade.

It revealed in a European Union Journal notice that it is to ask its trans-Pennine upgrade contractor (an alliance of BAM Nuttall, Amey and Ove Arup, known collectively as Transpire) to design signalling so that a future ETCS contractor can integrate seamlessly with the alliance’s work.

NR said it would separately find that ETCS contractor. It suggested that the alliance might be responsible for installing some of the equipment needed, such as marker boards and balises.

Work to plan, design, integrate and construct what NR needs could cost £15 million to £40m, according to NR. It estimates overall transPennine upgrade costs as £2 billion.

The journal notice describes the upgrade as consisting of electrification between Stalybridge and York/Selby, and capacity and journey time improvements between Manchester and York. NR awarded the alliance contract in April 2017.