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Wednesday 5 Nov 2025

TRU wins national award for considerate construction practices

Region & Route:

Eastern

The Transpennine Route Upgrade’s (TRU) West Alliance has won 'The Most Outstanding Award' from the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) in their National Site Awards.

The Alliance is undertaking major rail upgrades on sections of the Transpennine route between Manchester and Leeds.

The award recognises their exceptional performance across the scheme’s Code of Considerate Practice, which sets standards for how construction projects treat their workforce, protect the environment, and engage with local communities.

As a registered member of the CCS, the TRU West Alliance undergoes annual independent audits of its construction compounds along the route between Manchester, Huddersfield and Leeds.

The Alliance has demonstrated its commitment to considerate construction through sustainability initiatives including:

• Solar and wind-powered equipment across site compounds
• Ultra-low carbon tarmac at the largest compounds in Huddersfield and Ravensthorpe
• The repurposing of over 10,000 tonnes of recycled ballast and stone for road and car park formation

Beyond construction excellence, the wider TRU programme has delivered significant social value to local communities, with 410 apprentices currently working on the project and over 64,000 children engaged through STEAM education programmes.

The project has invested £813 million locally – whilst generating £2.2 billion in social value for the region.

Gareth Williams, Sustainability Director for TRU West, said: "This national recognition reflects our team's dedication to delivering major infrastructure improvements while maintaining the highest standards of consideration for our communities, workforce, and environment.

"The award validates our approach to responsible construction practices, it’s not just what we build but how we build that matters."

Desiree Blamey, Managing Director for the Considerate Constructors Scheme, said: “The Transpennine Route Upgrade shows what’s possible when infrastructure is delivered with genuine care. This award highlights not just the scale and complexity of the programme but the consistent effort to put people, places and the planet at the heart of considerate construction.

“Registering with CCS helps projects raise standards, build trust and create lasting value. TRU sets a powerful example of how major works can be both transformative and responsible.” 

The Transpennine Route Upgrade is a multi-billion-pound programme transforming rail travel across the North, delivering faster journey times and more reliable services.