TRANSPORT for the North board members have restated their ambition for transport infrastructure needed to unlock economic growth – including new lines via central Warrington.
Their call for more investment came following a board meeting, held in Liverpool, which brought together Mayors and council leaders from around the region.
Ahead of the Government’s infrastructure pipeline, expected later this month, they re-stated the urgent need for investment in the North’s strategic rail network.
By bringing the region’s great towns and cities closer, evidence compiled by TfN says that potential for growth is huge. The case for change is clear – a recent IPPR study once again highlighted the historical underinvestment that has held the North back for decades. With the right investment the North could grow the UK economy by £118 billion.
Northern leaders are also adamant that a plan is now needed for Northern Powerhouse Rail, with clear timelines.
They reiterated the need for Northern Powerhouse Rail, in full, including new lines via central Warrington, Manchester Airport and Bradford, major upgrades to routes linking Sheffield, Leeds and Hull and improvements to the East Coast Main Line, including reopening the Leamside Line.
TfN chair Lord McLoughlin said: “The North’s political leaders know that better connectivity can unlock sustainable and inclusive growth. While welcoming the commitments in the recent Spending Review, we also need to see Northern Powerhouse Rail become a reality for our communities and businesses and now is the time for a clear plan to make it happen.
“We need to be able to give our industries and our young people the certainty to look ahead and see transformational infrastructure happening to help build a better future for the North.
“We want to see decisions made by the North, for the North, in the North.”
The meeting also heard that work on the TransPennine Rail Upgrade was progressing well with electrification between Manchester and Leeds well underway. Political leaders said it was exciting to see work being delivered and how it engages with the communities along the route.
