Long Marston test track set for electrification

Having secured the purchase of the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre in Warwickshire in March 2024, Porterbrook has confirmed on 30 April its latest plans for the site to renew and electrify the 3.5 km track. Once completed at the end of 2025, the major development will take the company’s total investment in the centre to over 75 million GBP since 2021.

“With the future of Long Marston now confirmed we’ve wasted no time starting the next phase of the site improvements to reinforce our commitment to being a long-term partner for the rail industry” said Mary Grant, CEO of Porterbrook. “Substantial replacement of life-expired vehicles is needed over the next decade, and the track upgrades mean that we can deliver the best level of service with our manufacturing partners to provide a full turnkey solution for new rolling stock entering service.”

Trains will be able to test at speeds of up to 80 km/h, with the capability to support new ETCS in-cab signalling, and compatibility with other forms of traction including hydrogen, battery and diesel. Porterbrook has overseen a transformation of Long Marston since it took over the operations in 2021, including significantly improved roads, enhanced training services, refurbished offices, and a 3 million GBP Asset Management Facility.