Hitachi Train Factory Connected to National Rail Network

The final link between Hitachi Rail Europe’s £82m Newton Aycliffe manufacturing site and the national rail network has been laid in place.

 The track completion marking a significant milestone for
 Britain's newest train factory in Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham

Rail Minister Claire Perry was on hand to turn the last Pandrol Clip, a type of rail fastening, which is used to connect rails to railway sleepers.
It was the last of 35,000 such fixings installed by Story Contracting which connects the new facility with the national network, as well as 7,000 metres of sidings and a 1km long overhead electrified test track.
Work will now concentrate on the fit-out of the factory which will deliver the next generation of high speed rail carriages to the UK and Europe.
Phil Verster, route managing director at Network Rail said: “Today’s final fixing signals an important milestone in this exciting project. 

The Intercity Express Train will bring a step-change for passengers, enabling more and faster journeys. This facility is an achievement in itself and will continue to bring economic benefits to the north east as well as maintaining the region’s proud rail heritage.
“I would like to thank Merchant Place Developments, Story Contracting and the many suppliers for all the hard work they’ve put in to reach this stage. Work to finish the signalling and power will complete later this year.”
The location of the Hitachi factory will allow the new trains to join the Network Rail East Coast mainline, where they will be tested before entering service. The plan is for the new trains to enter passenger service on the Great Western routes from Paddington, but this depends on the electrification scheme being delivered on time. At the moment the East Coast line is scheduled to run the new trains in service following initial launch on the GWR routes.