Plans to revolutionise travel in the north include cutting journey times between major cities with a new ‘TransNorth’ rail system; a new road tunnel under the Peak District improving connectivity between Sheffield and Manchester and introducing Oyster-style smart travel cards.
Above: Some of the proposed options for upgrades and new lines – Network Rail’s work for the ‘Northern transport strategy’ sets out a range of options for upgrades and new lines between the key northern cities.
The Chancellor and Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin visited the North West on Friday last week where the Transport Secretary met with northern leaders at the Port of Liverpool’s container terminal L2 before joining the Chancellor on a visit to Stockport to discuss the ‘Northern transport strategy’ including the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road.
Other measures set out included:
the government will deliver HS2 – Britain’s new north-south high speed railway – in the north sooner by preparing a dedicated hybrid Bill to lay during the next Parliament. This is with a view to bringing HS2 to Crewe sooner than planned, subject to further analysis and final decisions on preferred route. It will also look at the case for accelerating the construction of the route between Leeds and Sheffield, and allowing it to be used by for fast regional train services
the government will take immediate action to simplify rail fares – across the north, by streamlining the system of regulated fares. Regulated fares include most commuter fares and some off-peak fares and season tickets. Work will also begin on developing contactless travel cards that can be used across northern cities as well as on providing simpler, more unified information for passengers, making it easier for them to plan and make their journeys
major improvements to the north’s road network will continue.
The government is to:
- expand the M62 to 4 lanes between Leeds and Manchester
- upgrade the M6 to 4 lanes
- improve the A1 to provide continuous motorway standard between London and Newcastle
- widen the M1 to 4 lane running in Yorkshire and Humber
as part of ‘TransNorth’, work will begin on better connecting Manchester airport – to neighbouring cities in order to boost international links and make the north more globally competitive. There will also be a review for regional airports affected by the recent devolution of air passenger duty
the government and TfN will work together to produce multi-modal freight – and logistics strategy for the north, to help the private sector invest with confidence in ports and other freight centres
TfN will expand its role to become a representative body for the whole of the north of England – and will be led by an independent chair. Government is making available up to £6.4 million to support TfN’s strategic work and rail option development and will in addition ensure Highways England is able to take forward its studies identified in the report. This will mean that in total up to £12.5 million will be available to take forward development work
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