£80bn blueprint for transport revealed

MINISTERS and Northern leaders and are setting out blueprints for the North’s infrastructure including a high speed network ‘TransNorth’ and major highways investment.

Chancellor George Osborne, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin and Northern city leaders unveiled a report from Transport in the North (TfN), a body set up to identify areas of growth in the transport sector.

TfN has been tasked with creating the first ever comprehensive transport strategy for the region, covering roads, rail, freight, airports and smart ticketing.

Estimates for rail improvements, including new routes between Leeds, Newcastle, Sheffield and Manchester and upgrades to existing lines have added up to a preliminary £88bn, though each were calculated as stand-alone schemes.

Cutting the time from Manchester to Sheffield for example to 27 minutes is estimated to cost up to £19bn.

The report sets out a long terms strategy in a ‘TransNorth’ network, with sections capable of speeds up to 140mph, will link Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle and Hull.

Network journey times between Liverpool and Manchester could be as low as 20 minutes; Manchester to Sheffield and Leeds could both be 30 minutes; Leeds to Hull could be just 45, and Sheffield to Hull 50 minutes.  And journey times from Manchester to Newcastle could be cut by 25%.
 
Plans set out in the report include slashing journey times between major northern cities with investment in high speed rail; developing new east-west road connections including a road tunnel under the Peak District; and introducing Oyster-style smart travel cards and simpler fares across the North.

The Chancellor and Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin were in the North West to launch the report. McLoughlin met northern leaders at the Port of Liverpool’s container terminal, L2, and then joined George Osborne on a visit to Stockport to discuss the Northern Transport Strategy.

The report sees Transport for the North expanding its role to become a representative body for the whole of the north and will be led by an independent chair. The government is making available up to £6.4m to support it. A total of £12.5m will be available to take forward development work initially.

Chancellor George Osborne said: “Connecting up the great cities of the North is at the heart of our plan to build a Northern Powerhouse. This report has the potential to revolutionise transport in the North and we will work closely with Transport for the North to help make it a reality.”

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “As part of my Northern Futures plan, I listened to what people wanted and have taken decisive action. All of this will ensure the North can race ahead in a stronger economy and doesn’t become one big bottleneck.”

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “Creating a Northern Powerhouse of jobs, investment and prosperity, is a key objective of the Government’s long term economic plan. We are planning for transport and growth in a new joined-up way.

“We have set out a comprehensive strategy for the northern economy which will help the north pool its strengths. Transport for the North gives the north a powerful new voice.”

Simon Allport, North West senior partner at EY, welcomed the report and said business should rally behind the inititative to ensure it is delivered: “Following development work by Transport for the North, the focus should be on securing the vital funding and public support for the new projects that require it.

“All stakeholders – including regional business leaders – should work together to help to shape the future of the Northern transport network.”

Ed Cox, director at think tank IPPR North, added: “Further detail on proposed schemes is welcome, but the funding to make these plans a reality has yet to be allocated – meaning the Northern powerhouse still remains a laudable political ambition, rather than an engine of Northern prosperity it needs to be.”

Jon Holt, Manchester office  senior partner at KPMG, also highlighted the critical issue of funding.

“The degree of transformation held out by the report’s proposals will take billions of pounds of investment, so a long-term funding plan will be essential if we are to see these transport aspirations become reality and start playing a part in driving improved prosperity.
 
“It’s therefore critical that prioritising significant funding, over and above the development capital referenced, is part of any new government’s considerations as it embarks on its expected comprehensive spending review.”