Leaders back £39bn proposals for ‘transformational’ railway project across the north

Political and business leaders from across the North of England have backed plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail – the region’s single biggest transport intervention since the Industrial Revolution.

The board agreed to move forward and submit proposals to invest up to £39bn in a rail network for the North, paving the way for a Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) to be submitted to Government.

It will outline how the investment could increase the capacity, speed and resilience of the North’s rail network.

Transport for the North said that with options including significant upgrades and new railway lines, work on the “transformational” network could start as early as 2024.

The document itself will remain confidential whilst considered by Government. It outlines several concepts that will form the basis of further detailed development over the next 18 months, funded by an additional £37m allocated in last Autumn’s Budget.

It features concepts aimed at fully integrating with HS2, including:

  • A new line linking Leeds and Manchester via Bradford, including the option for a Bradford city centre station
  • A new twin-track line linking Liverpool to HS2 and onwards to Manchester and other Northern cities, via Warrington and Manchester Airport
  • Significant upgrades and integration with HS2 linking Leeds and Sheffield
  • Significant upgrades between Sheffield, Leeds and Hull
  • Significant upgrades of the Hope Valley corridor between Manchester and Sheffield
  • Significant upgrades between Newcastle and Leeds
  • Hub concepts for Northern Powerhouse Rail stations

The decision came on the day that members also approved the Strategic Transport Plan, a blueprint for investment in the North – set to be formally launched at an inaugural conference in Sheffield on Monday 11 February 2019.

Tim Wood, Transport for the North’s Northern Powerhouse Rail Director, said: “Our leaders had a vision to connect the North by rail like never before. Today, we are a step closer to making that a reality. In Northern Powerhouse Rail, we have turned ambition and passion into a robust evidence base for investment of up to £39 billion.

“It provides viable options and solutions to the North’s rail challenges. For too long, passengers and businesses have been held back by slower than average train speeds and poor connectivity between our city regions. If we’re going to re-balance the UK’s economy, this needs to be tackled head on.

“There’s no let up. While the Government considers this case, we will begin the more in-depth design and feasibility work that will take us closer to a final preferred network.

“If we get the right level of support and investment, the aim is to begin construction in 2024.

“With this first, high-level business case, we put investment in the North’s rail network firmly on the agenda. It lays bare our ambition. From the North, for the North.”

Lisa Bowden, Head of Infrastructure in the North at Mace said: “The North brought the very first railways to the world and we’re now on the cusp of a 21st Century transport-led revolution that will empower the region once again.

“This historic agreement demonstrates the power of having one voice amongst our leaders.  Northern Powerhouse Rail would not only ensure people can travel more efficiently, it will also enable wider regeneration in our towns and cities and will underpin our growth in a post-Brexit economy.”

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leader of Bradford Council, said: “Northern Powerhouse Rail, delivering a new line between Manchester and Leeds with a city centre station in Bradford, is an essential element of the comprehensive investment in transport infrastructure we need across the North.

“The North of England is collectively setting out a powerful positive case to the Government to support this project to deliver for our communities and the UK as a whole.”

Cllr Judith Blake, West Yorkshire Combined Authority Lead on Transport, Transport for the  North Board Representative and Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “Integrated with HS2 at a redeveloped Leeds Station, Northern Powerhouse Rail can deliver transformational opportunities to all our communities and in doing so bring benefits to the wider UK economy.

“The capacity pressures on the existing network are increasingly evident and Northern Powerhouse Rail, HS2 and an upgraded trans-Pennine line all have a critical role to play in ensuring we have the range and quality of services we need.”

 

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