TransNorth set to revolutionise transport in the North
Plans for a 'TransNorth' rail network as well as road investments will be set out by Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne and Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin today.
The Chancellor will announce the first Northern transport strategy produced in conjunction with Transport for the North (TfN) which brings together northern transport authorities. The strategy report will contain a comprehensive transport strategy covering roads, rail, freight, airports and smart ticketing.
It is the Government's intention to 'connect up the north' in order to create a single economy, which it is hoped will allow northern towns and cities to pool their strengths in order to create "Northern Powerhouse"
Plans set out in the report include:
The Chancellor will announce the first Northern transport strategy produced in conjunction with Transport for the North (TfN) which brings together northern transport authorities. The strategy report will contain a comprehensive transport strategy covering roads, rail, freight, airports and smart ticketing.
It is the Government's intention to 'connect up the north' in order to create a single economy, which it is hoped will allow northern towns and cities to pool their strengths in order to create "Northern Powerhouse"
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
- Introducing Oyster-style smart travel cards and simpler fares across the North.
A key focus of the report is to develop the concept of "High Speed 3" which will form the backbone of a ‘TransNorth’ network. This 'TransNorth' network will provide fast rail links between Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle and Hull.
With trains reaching 140mph in some sections it is hoped that a journey time of 20 minutes could be achieved between Liverpool and Manchester. A target of 30 minutes between Manchester and Leeds has been set, with a time of just 45 minutes between Leeds and Hull. It is also claimed that journey times between Manchester and Newcastle could be cut by 25%
Studies produced by Network Rail set out different options for creating a network along with cost estimates. Options produced include upgrading existing routes to building new lines. The government will provide funding in order to develop the options identified.
The Government will also set out how it will deliver HS2 in the North sooner by preparing a dedicated hybrid Bill to lay during the next Parliament. The aim of bill will be to bring HS2 to Crewe sooner than planned.
As well as improvements to rail services, the Government is to continue with major improvements to the North’s road network. The M62 is to be expanded to to four lanes between Leeds and Manchester and the M6 will also be upgraded to 4 lanes
The A1 will be upgraded to provide continuous motorway standard between London and Newcastle and the M1 will be widened to 4 lane running between Yorkshire and Humber.
It is expected that Transport for the North will become a representative body for the whole of the North of England and will be led by an independent chair. The Government will provide up to £6.4m in order to support Transport for the North’s strategic work and rail option development.
Update: Link to the he Northern Powerhouse document
With trains reaching 140mph in some sections it is hoped that a journey time of 20 minutes could be achieved between Liverpool and Manchester. A target of 30 minutes between Manchester and Leeds has been set, with a time of just 45 minutes between Leeds and Hull. It is also claimed that journey times between Manchester and Newcastle could be cut by 25%
Studies produced by Network Rail set out different options for creating a network along with cost estimates. Options produced include upgrading existing routes to building new lines. The government will provide funding in order to develop the options identified.
The Government will also set out how it will deliver HS2 in the North sooner by preparing a dedicated hybrid Bill to lay during the next Parliament. The aim of bill will be to bring HS2 to Crewe sooner than planned.
As well as improvements to rail services, the Government is to continue with major improvements to the North’s road network. The M62 is to be expanded to to four lanes between Leeds and Manchester and the M6 will also be upgraded to 4 lanes
The A1 will be upgraded to provide continuous motorway standard between London and Newcastle and the M1 will be widened to 4 lane running between Yorkshire and Humber.
It is expected that Transport for the North will become a representative body for the whole of the North of England and will be led by an independent chair. The Government will provide up to £6.4m in order to support Transport for the North’s strategic work and rail option development.
Update: Link to the he Northern Powerhouse document
2013 work progressing on upgrading the WCML between Warrington and Preston
2015 New electric services between Liverpool and Manchester
Work to increase capacity at Manchester Oxford Road is due to start early 2016
In early 2016 work will also begin to add an additional 2 through platforms at Manchester Piccadilly
Government proposals could see HS2 reaching Crewe earlier than planned.
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