NEWS / Press Releases / ACE statement on restart of electrification for Transpennine Express & Midland Mainline railways

PR

30 SEP 2015

ACE STATEMENT ON RESTART OF ELECTRIFICATION FOR TRANSPENNINE EXPRESS & MIDLAND MAINLINE RAILWAYS

Rapid reinstatement will ensure industry confidence is not fatally undermined

Commenting on the news that electrification of the Transpennine Express and Midland Mainline railways will restart, Dr Nelson Ogunshakin OBE, chief executive of the Association for Consultancy and Engineering said:

"It is excellent to hear that the electrification of these two vital lines is now back on, following the ‘pause’ and that ACE’s view that only a rapid reinstatement will ensure industry confidence is not fatally undermined. These two routes form part of the government’s Northern Powerhouse strategy and will deliver billions of investment, thousands of jobs, and better access to jobs and markets, through increased capacity and connectivity.

"We also welcome and acknowledge the input of Sir Peter Hendy in the decision to restart the electrification, which is a result of the way his review into Network Rail and CP5 quickly got to grips with its task.

"We would now urge the government and Network Rail to ensure that they learn the lessons from this episode and in their desire to announce projects do not overlook the very great need to develop proper plans and cost estimates. This can best be achieved through Network Rail working more closely with industry before making any firm decisions. We must avoid these kinds of delays if future projects are to be delivered on time, on budget, and on course to maximise the economic benefits we expect from them."

ENDS

Media  Contact

Media Contact

Please contact Moya Galal with any media queries for ACE.

email07852 536 944