The UK government has announced that plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) have been revived, with purported spending of up to £45bn to complete the plans.
NPR aims to improve the North of England’s railways through upgrading existing lines and creating better east-west connections.
NPR states that the connections east to west are much poorer – they’re often branch lines which means capacity isn’t as good, and the rolling stock is poorer.
By improving or constructing these new connections, connectivity and economic productivity across the region.
Reportedly, more than £1bn has been allocated to work up a detailed three-stage plan to connect cities from Liverpool to Newcastle.
The second stage of the plan will bring forth the long-awaited new Liverpool-Manchester line, with construction expected to begin July 2033 and open by 2037.
Future phases of this line will reportedly include improving connections to other northern cities such as Bradford and York.
The government has also stated that it will review plans for an underground station at Manchester Piccadilly after years of debate and will report back in July.
Regional leaders have long supported an underground station that will alleviate congestion and support future passenger growth.
The third stage will bring further improved connections across the Pennines between Manchester, Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield and York.
Work is expected to start in the 2030s but not be completed until at least 2045, with construction of any further new line between Manchester and Birmingham starting only after that.
Responding to the news, Martin Tugwell, CEO of Transport for the North, said: “We welcome today’s announcement on Northern Powerhouse Rail and the renewed commitment to improving rail connectivity across the North.
“Better connections between our major cities, towns and economic centres are essential if the North is to fulfil its economic potential.
“Transport for the North’s Strategic Transport Plan is clear that investment must focus on strengthening connectivity between the North’s key economic corridors, improving capacity, reliability and journey times to support jobs, productivity and growth.
“It is why the North has called for “NPR in full” for many years; it is fundamental to unlocking these opportunities and delivering long-term benefits for people and businesses.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with government and our partners to support delivery of the ambitions set out today, and those translate into a fully integrated, transformational rail network that the North needs and deserves.”
