HS2 ltd has made two new appointments  to its Programme and Strategy Directorate. Jonathan Crone will join from Foster Wheeler Energy as director of the programme management office, while Colin Morris will join as programme delivery strategy director from EC Harris. 

The first battery-powered train to run on Britain’s rail network in more than half a century carried its first passengers this week. The Bombardier Class 379 Electrostar battery powered train also known as an Independently Powered Electric Multiple Unit (IPEMU) – will run in weekday timetable service for five weeks between Harwich International and Manningtree stations in Essex. Potentially a fleet of battery trains could run on lines too difficult or expensive to electrify and help Network Rail cut its carbon emissions.

A Costain and Skanska joint venture has won the last Crossrail tunnelling contract, worth £40M, which is to build the Paddington Link Tunnel between the Bakerloo Line Underground platforms and the new Crossrail station at the London main line terminus.