Amey Secures Key Role in Northern Powerhouse Rail Scheme

Amey has been appointed by Network Rail to provide multi-disciplinary consultancy services for the Leeds to Sheffield route, a major component of the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) programme.

The contract has been awarded through Network Rail’s Development and Design Partnership Framework (DDPF) and will see Amey support the development of improved rail connectivity between the two northern cities. The scheme is expected to play a significant role in increasing network capacity, enabling more frequent services, and reducing journey times across the region.

Working closely with Network Rail, Amey will be responsible for developing engineering design solutions for the corridor. The company will draw on its experience across complex rail infrastructure to produce early-stage designs aimed at enhancing network performance while minimising disruption during delivery.

A key focus of the work will be ensuring long-term resilience for both passenger and freight services. Amey plans to apply a systems-based approach to deliver integrated engineering solutions, supported by close collaboration with project partners.

The consultancy will also incorporate advanced data and analytics to support decision-making. This includes evaluating factors such as station dwell times and their wider impact on network efficiency, particularly at critical locations like Sheffield station.

Colin Wood, Managing Director at Amey, said the contract reflects the company’s expertise in delivering complex rail projects and its commitment to improving connectivity across the North. He added that the business looks forward to working alongside Network Rail to develop solutions that enhance reliability and performance across the network.

The appointment marks another step forward for the Northern Powerhouse Rail programme, which aims to transform rail travel across the North of England by improving capacity, connectivity, and journey times between major cities.