YORK'S rail industry is growing as two global infrastructure consultancy firms expand their operations in the city.

Last week saw Parsons Brinckerhoff launch its new office in Clifton Park, while CH2M Hill opened its new office in George Hudson Street.

The two firms have collectively created 40 new jobs in York this year following contract wins in the rail sector, and have described the city as a "national hotspot" for rail employment opportunities.

Parsons Brinckerhoff works for public and private sector clients to plan, design, build and operate infrastructure projects around the world, with its UK portfolio currently including roles on Crossrail, High Speed 2, and Manchester Metrolink to the Northern Hub.

Jackie Jackson, Parsons Brinckerhoff’s Regional Rail and Transit Service leader in the York, said: "Parsons Brinckerhoff is building its presence in York because the region offers significant opportunities to attract high quality people with the right skills to deliver technically complex projects.

"Since establishing a small office earlier this year, the company’s core workload in York has already expanded beyond the rail sector to include wider transport capabilities such as highways and planning.

"These are exciting times for the transport industry - the rail market is growing fast and York which is one of the national hotspots for rail employment opportunities."

Parsons Brinckerhoff currently employs 15 engineering consultants in York with plans to grow to around 25 consultants next year.

Also expanding in York is CH2M HILL, following what the company has described as "strong growth" in its European transportation market, in particular within its UK rail business.

Since the beginning of 2014, CH2M HILL has created 25 jobs in its York offices as the firm continues its works on infrastructure projects including Crossrail and HS2.

Regional CH2M HILL managing director for Europe Mark Thurston, said: "I am delighted to have opened this new facility in York. Our rail business in the European region has experienced strong growth this year, not only progressing well on our major transport programmes but also winning new work with key clients.

"The opening of this office highlights this growth and provides a major boost for the local economy of York.”

The company has also expanded its York business in 2014, winning contracts with clients to provide design works, feasibility studies, resignalling, maintenance and delivery works.