Since the Portadown-Armagh rail line in Northern Ireland closed in 1957, Armagh has become the only city on the island without a rail link. Not only is this significantly limiting the city’s growth and development but it’s also isolating residents from accessing key services in Belfast and beyond.
Reopening the line has been identified as a key recommendation in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review. The review outlines a long-term vision for enhancing the island’s rail network by 2050, focusing on improving sustainable connectivity between major cities, boosting regional accessibility, and supporting decarbonisation efforts.
Prior to the review, we were commissioned by Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council to conduct an in-depth feasibility study. The purpose was to see if reinstating the Portadown-Armagh line is both technically and economically viable, while also assessing its potential to support these broader strategic objectives.
Addressing the key questions
Our feasibility study examined three main questions: could the line be built, could it integrate successfully with the existing network, and would people use it?
To explore these aspects in more depth, we assessed the potential demand for rail passenger services, land requirements, economic viability, technical feasibility, impact on the operational rail network, stakeholder engagement, future strategy and funding options.
Given that data was not always readily available about the former Portadown-Armagh line, we turned to historical sources, including century-old maps, to better understand the original route alignment. We also worked with the Portadown Armagh Railway Society to gain insights into how the line used to operate, which helped us assess any challenges related to reinstatement.
Through our analysis, we found that reopening the Portadown-Armagh rail line is both technically deliverable and operationally feasible, with no significant engineering obstacles.
The study also showed there are clear economic benefits to the reopening of the railway, potentially outweighing the investment costs.
Strengthening regional connectivity
Despite the borough having the highest projected population growth in Northern Ireland, Armagh suffers from poor road connections and limited bus services – making journeys to Belfast a lengthy 80 minutes or more.
The reopening of the Portadown-Armagh rail line provides a vital opportunity to improve connectivity across the region and support the growth of the Lurgan-Craigavon-Portadown corridor. Our estimates suggest that the reinstated Armagh rail service would operate over 20 minutes faster than it did before it was closed.
Furthermore, by enhancing access to services, jobs and education, the proposed line is expected to boost the local and regional economy, addressing regional imbalances, promoting sustainable growth and tourism.
A greener alternative to road travel
The lack of multi-modal transport connections in Armagh has led to a heavy reliance on cars, increasing greenhouse gas emissions and congestion.
Reopening the Portadown-Armagh rail line would be a crucial step towards reducing car dependency and supporting more sustainable travel.
Thanks to our analysis, we demonstrated that the project could result in a 10 per cent shift towards sustainable trip-making, attracting around 700,000 journeys annually.
Our work also focused on the electrification potential of the line, ensuring it is futureproofed for sustainable transport. This will play a pivotal role in cutting carbon emissions and promoting modal shift, helping Northern Ireland achieve its sustainability goals while enhancing quality of life for residents.
Applying our expertise and experience in rail line reopenings
While reopening rail lines is a relatively new concept in Northern Ireland, our team brings knowledge and expertise from similar projects elsewhere.
For example, we conducted the feasibility study for the Navan line in Ireland, a project that closely mirrors the Portadown-Armagh rail scheme, helping to assess both operational viability and integration into the wider rail network.
In northeast England, we played a key role in the Northumberland Line reopening, which is restoring passenger services between Ashington and Newcastle for the first time since the 1960s.
As one of the first projects of its kind in Northern Ireland, the Portadown-Armagh line reopening presents unique challenges, particularly regarding modern engineering standards. For instance, the original route had numerous level and cattle crossings, which no longer meet current safety regulations. Our expertise has helped us navigate these complexities, exploring alternatives to ensure that the project remains both feasible and fully compliant with today’s standards.
Putting Armagh back on the map
Now that our initial feasibility study for the Portadown-Armagh rail line is complete, we’re currently working with our partners SLC Rail on a more detailed study for Translink to develop the Strategic Outline Case for the scheme.
The findings from both studies provide evidence that will help prioritise the recommendations outlined in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review – and will ultimately feed into the final design should the scheme proceed.
Image: an aerial view of Armagh courtesy of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council