Porterbrook has announced plans to electrify the 3.5km track at the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre in Warwickshire. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025 and is part of an ongoing investment that will bring Porterbrook's total spending at the site to over £75 million since 2021.
The track electrification at Long Marston is aimed at updating the facility’s infrastructure to accommodate a broader range of locomotive technologies, including hydrogen, battery, and diesel, alongside testing capabilities for trains at speeds of up to 80 kmh. This development will also support the implementation of the new European Train Control System (ETCS) which provides in-cab signaling.
Since acquiring the Long Marston site in 2021, Porterbrook has initiated several upgrades, which include road improvements, office refurbishments, and the establishment of a EUR 3.5 million Asset Management Facility. These enhancements are designed to bolster the center’s role in the rail industry by providing comprehensive testing and development services.
Additionally, the track upgrades are expected to play a crucial role in addressing the need for replacing life-expired vehicles over the next decade, ensuring the facility can support the introduction of new rolling stock in collaboration with manufacturing partners.
The completion of this project will see Long Marston continue to serve as a key hub for innovation and development within the UK rail sector, aligning with ongoing industry efforts to modernize and expand rail infrastructure capabilities.
