Electrified railway testing loop facilities have been formally opened at Porterbrook’s Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre in Warwickshire by Rail Minister Lord Hendy.

UK electrified railway testing loop opens
Photo: Porterbrook

As reported by Railway-News⁠, the 3.5-kilometre circuit was launched during an industry ceremony attended by representatives from across the railway sector.

Electrified railway testing loop at Long Marston

The loop is part of the wider redevelopment of the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre⁠. Porterbrook has invested more than 75 million GBP in the 135-acre site. It is intended to support the testing, development and demonstration of rail technologies and rolling stock.

Also, Lord Hendy said the centre would help support the development of future rail vehicles in Britain. He also linked the facility to wider work to modernise the country’s railway network.

The Rail Minister, Peter, Lord Hendy, said:

“The Rail Innovation Centre at Long Marston is a brilliant initiative which will support the next generation of trains in Britain.”

“It was an honour to launch the centre’s new testing loop today and as a passenger, I look forward to travelling on the trains that have benefitted from being tested at the site.”

“This kind of innovation is exactly what we want to see as we move towards Great British Railways so we can build a railway fit for the future which the public can rely on, and be proud of.”

Porterbrook investment in rail technologies and rolling stock

Over the past five years, Porterbrook has invested more than 1 billion GBP in several areas. These include new trains, fleet modernisation, traction technology and rail infrastructure. In addition, more than 14 million GBP has supported the development and testing of HydroFLEX, a hydrogen-powered passenger train project.

The company has also broadened its role in the rail supply chain. It acquired a 49 per cent stake⁠ in Scottish engineering firm Brodie Engineering.

Separately, Porterbrook used the opening of the testing loop to unveil updated corporate branding. The company said the rebrand reflects its continued focus on partnership working across the rail industry.

The Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre will continue to operate as a dedicated environment for rail vehicle testing and emerging technologies. Still, its stated role remains tied to supporting future developments in the UK rail sector.

Porterbrook CEO Mary Grant said:

“Long Marston is for the benefit of the whole industry. A site tailor-made for innovation that demonstrates how private capital can work hand-in-hand with Great British Railways to deliver an exceptional service to the travelling public.”

“We’re making clear, long-term commitments to UK rail, not just as a financier, but as a genuine partner adding value now and for the future.”