Major Rail Projects Reshaping Transport in the UK

The UK’s rail sector is undergoing major transformation, with over £100 billion in investment committed to improving connectivity, decarbonisation, and regional growth. While engineering remains a focus, these projects are also creating thousands of jobs and long-term demand for planning and infrastructure talent. For rail contractors and consultancies, it signals growing competition for talent and the importance of trusted recruitment partners. Major rail schemes currently in progress or planning include HS2, East West Rail, and Northern Powerhouse Rail. 

HS2 – High Speed 2 

HS2 is the UK’s largest rail infrastructure project, set to deliver faster, higher-capacity connections between London, Birmingham, and other key regions. Phase One is fully under construction, with over 75% of tunnelling complete and two-thirds of viaducts underway. While later phases north of Birmingham have been scaled back, the current scope remains a multibillion-pound investment and a significant economic driver. HS2 has created over 31,000 jobs and continues to generate strong demand for civil engineers, systems specialists, project managers, and environmental professionals. For contractors and consultancies, it remains central to long-term hiring strategies and workforce planning, driving sustained job creation across engineering, delivery, and support services. 

Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) 

Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) is set to transform northern connectivity by linking major cities and underserved areas with high-speed, low-carbon rail services. Integrated with HS2, it will reduce congestion, shorten journey times, and boost local and freight capacity. NPR is expected to generate £343 billion in economic output, create over 74,000 jobs in the North, and deliver 57,000 more across the UK. With strong government backing, the project has secured a £300 million framework, now advancing design and preparatory works. Demand is rising for engineers, planners, and consultants across surveying, route planning, and environmental assessments. As delivery phases progress, firms will need to strategically scale their teams. NPR remains vital to rebalancing infrastructure investment and unlocking long-term productivity in the North. 

East West Rail (EWR) 

East West Rail (EWR) is a major UK infrastructure project reconnecting Oxford and Cambridge via Bicester, Bletchley, and Bedford. The Western Section (Oxford to Bletchley) is nearing completion and is expected to boost the local economy by £1.1 billion. The Central Section (Bedford to Cambridge) is in planning, with a third non-statutory consultation completed in January 2025 and a statutory consultation due later this year. Construction is expected to finish by 2034. Later stages could support up to 6,000 construction jobs and 1,500 permanent roles once operational. EWR is driving long-term demand for civil engineers, signalling experts, environmental planners, and project managers, offering sustained opportunities in sustainable, high-impact rail delivery. 

Regional Rail Upgrades & Electrification 

Across the UK, regional rail upgrades and electrification projects are enhancing rail capacity, reliability, and sustainability. Key programmes include the £9 billion Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) between Manchester and Leeds, featuring electrification, digital signalling, and expanded capacity. Other initiatives, like the Midland Main Line and Cardiff Valleys Lines upgrades, are also driving decarbonisation and faster journey times. These projects are creating strong demand for overhead line engineers, signalling specialists, and civil infrastructure teams. As these upgrades continue, they offer consistent workforce demand and career opportunities across a range of rail and infrastructure roles. 

Looking Ahead 

The UK rail sector is entering a pivotal phase of delivery. With over £100 billion invested across HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail, East West Rail, and major regional upgrades, momentum is accelerating, and so is the talent competition. Thousands of roles are emerging across engineering, project delivery, and infrastructure services. As projects shift from planning to execution, the demand for skilled professionals will intensify. At Owen Daniels, we’re partnering with contractors and consultancies to stay ahead, supporting workforce planning, scaling project teams, and shaping recruitment strategies built for long-term growth.

Sources

1. HS2 – HS2 Project Update, 2025. (www.hs2.org.uk/what-is-hs2/hs2-project-update/) 
2. Transport for the North – Northern Powerhouse Rail, 2021. (https://bit.ly/4dBf5Tg) 
3. Bedford Independent - EWR highlights jobs new rail line will bring to the region but can’t give exact numbers, 2024. (https://bit.ly/43xvHGJ)