Richardson is currently working as managing director of the Skanska Costain Strabag joint venture delivering the HS2 London tunnels.

He will take up his post on TRU in the new year.

Richardson, whose home contractor is Skanska, has held posts as Infrastructure MD and Rail Sector Director, and brings many years of experience working in the rail, road and energy industries on programmes including HS1, M25DBFO, Crossrail, Northern Hub, Wessex Capacity Alliance and Thameslink.

Costing around £11bn, the Transpennine Route Upgrade combines track, train, timetable and delivery partners all working together to deliver a reliable electric railway for passengers and support economic growth.

He said: “Leading this ambitious infrastructure programme of national importance is a huge source of pride for me. It will benefit millions of people by improving the connectivity between towns and cities.

“TRU is making fantastic progress and already demonstrating how complex infrastructure can be delivered safely and efficiently. I can’t wait to get started working with such talented teams and individuals in order to see that continue to develop.”

This summer TRU awarded contracts of around £3bn with the West and East alliances, and passengers are now benefiting from the first electric train service operating between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge. The programme, which employs 5000 people is fully mobilised with 70 worksites across 70 miles, from York to Manchester, alive with activity.