The Institute of Railway Research (IRR) at the University of Huddersfield was contracted as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) programme to optimise the design work for the electrification of the Church Fenton – Colton Junction line. Working with Network Rail, Murphys, Siemens, Systra, and Volker Rail, the IRR adapted the design to upgrade the existing overhead line at Colton Junction to reduce contact forces in the cable crossings and improve current collection performance. In addition to optimising the electrification designs, IRR was appointed by Network Rail to share its expertise in rail vehicle track dynamics to maintain passenger comfort despite future increased speeds on the winding Manchester – York line.
