Following previous news that Network Rail is in the process of releasing enough land for up to 3600 new properties in Manchester and the North, the full amount of investment into the rail systems in the North West of England has been announced.

It has been revealed that last year Network Rail invested £276 million with 324 North West based Businesses. This includes Ordsall Chord, an aspect of the Great North Rail Project based in Manchester which has increased its workforce from 200 to 2000 over two years. This construction has increased the regional economy by £80 million that is spent with companies within 25 miles on the construction. Ordsall Chord is due to be finished in December and consists of new track that links all Manchester’s main train stations including Piccadilly and Oxford Road, and creating more direct access to the Manchester Airport station from elsewhere in the north. This plan is thought to reduce congestion by up to 25% in the city. A key part of the Ordsall project is a 600-tonne steel arch which is unique in Britain and was made in Bolton by Severfield. This contract has allowed expansion for the engineering company, allowing more opportunities for apprentices and graduates.

It was also revealed that in excess of 9,000 jobs in the North West are being supported by Network Rail as well as 324 companies in the area gaining economically from Network Rail’s presence.

Improving the rail service increases economic growth of the area, therefore Network Rail spending £100 million a week on their plans to improve nations railway in a certain way to keep economic growth up. Throughout all of Great Britain Network Rail spends £7 billion with 3435 companies. 2500 of those who are utilized by Network Rail are classed as small or medium sized companies.