How to apply for connections to Network Rail’s network

If you wish to connect facilities to the Network Rail network you should  use our model connection contract.

This sets out the rights and obligations of the parties in respect of the ongoing maintenance of connections between two railway networks. It is flexible enough to be applied to a wide range of different types of connection, from complex and busy connections such as those to freight terminals, to infrequently used connections such as those to self-contained heritage railways.

New connection contracts may not need to come to ORR for specific approval if they fall under the terms described in our General Approval issued in July 2009. Contracts which fit the description set out in that General Approval are automatically approved by ORR and will not need to be submitted to us to go through our approval process. Parties to such contracts should however send us a copy of the signed contract when it is entered into.

Last updated: 17 July 2009

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