The government has revealed plans for rail line improvements for the north of England, saying that it would boost the British economy, over a decade after the idea was first suggested. The Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) hopes to provide faster and more frequent train journeys throughout northern England thanks to upgraded and new lines as well as improvements to stations.
A initial £1.1 billion has been allotted towards design and preparation, with construction expected to begin after 2030. It will come phases, begin with upgrades to existing rail lines between Leeds, York, Bradford, and Sheffield, according to the government. This will be followed by a new route between Liverpool and Manchester, before improving connections between Manchester and cities in Yorkshire.
The “transformation” of travel in the North would shorten commutes and encourage further investment into the region, as well as providing up to £40 billion to the nation’s economy, according to the government.
“Paying lip service to the potential of the North,” Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said, needs to end. “This government is rolling up its sleeves to deliver real, lasting change.”
The NPR project was initially proposed by then Chancellor George Osbourne in 2014 and Boris Johnson was later elected under a “levelling up” plan. But investments into rail lines were later rolled back.
The government now hopes to make NPR part of its wider Northern Growth Strategy, set to be revealed in spring.
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