Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) has today revealed plans for new rails and upgrades to existing rails across the North of England
£1.1bn has been earmarked for Northern Powerhouse Rail plans, but starts on site are not expected until after 2030.
The plans include a new major line between Liverpool and Manchester in the second phase.
Many connections will see improvements
The first phase of the plans include upgrades for lines between Leeds, York, Bradford, and Sheffield, and the third phase of the plan will improve lines between Manchester and cities in Yorkshire.
Other aspects of the plan include a new station in Bradford and Rotherham Gateway.
The NPR project was originally proposed in 2014, but was subsequently scaled back.
It is hoped that the improvements delivered by the plan will improve journey times and train frequency across major hubs in the North, thereby shortening commutes and promoting investment in the region, potentially adding £40bn to the economy.
According to the Department for Transport, lessons learned in recent years regarding building train infrastructure, including the murky progress made on HS2, will boost the NPR project.
Potential to be a huge boost for delivery
Reactions to the announcement have been largely positive.
Martin Tugwell, CEO of Transport for the North, said: “We welcome today’s announcement on Northern Powerhouse Rail and the renewed commitment to improving rail connectivity across the North. Better connections between our major cities, towns and economic centres are essential if the North is to fulfil its economic potential.
“Transport for the North’s Strategic Transport Plan is clear that investment must focus on strengthening connectivity between the North’s key economic corridors, improving capacity, reliability and journey times to support jobs, productivity and growth. It is why the North has called for “NPR in full” for many years; it is fundamental to unlocking these opportunities and delivering long-term benefits for people and businesses.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with government and our partners to support delivery of the ambitions set out today, and those translate into a fully integrated, transformational rail network that the North needs and deserves.”
Director of policy & public affairs for the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), Ben Goodwin, said: “Northern Powerhouse Rail will be a once-in-a-generation investment in the economic future of the entire UK, and will bring major gains to the communities and businesses it serves.
“But industry needs clarity and confidence if it is to plan, invest, and mobilise effectively. Certainty on scope, funding, and timescales are essential to controlling costs, building skills capacity, and delivering major infrastructure effectively.
“The concept of the Northern Powerhouse has been around for more than a decade. If the Government is to make sure it is now successfully delivered, it needs to work with industry to ensure that inefficiencies associated with delays, redesigns, or stop-start decision-making are avoided.
“CECA members have the expertise and capability to deliver complex major infrastructure such as Northern Powerhouse Rail and will be itching to get started – providing all stages of the project are supported by stable pipelines, realistic procurement models, and early contractor engagement.
“The lessons from recent major projects are clear – the commitment to delivering a once-in-a-generation scheme like this must be matched by a clear funding structure and a detailed delivery plan, which allows businesses to invest in skills, plant, and resourcing, confident in secure forward pipelines of work.
“CECA stands ready to work with local and national government, regional leaders, delivery bodies, and our members to ensure that Northern Powerhouse Rail is developed and delivered in a way that maximises its economic benefits, supports skills and jobs across the North, and forms the basis of a transport system that is fit for the future.”
Michael Toher, head of rail UK & Ireland at Ramboll, said: “It is great to see plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail moving forwards. The £45bn committed to upgrading rail links and delivering key developments across historically underserved regions is both long-awaited and highly welcome.
“Investment in transport infrastructure is vital for both local and national growth, playing a crucial role in creating a more resilient and sustainable economy while breaking down regional barriers and ultimately supporting those communities that stand to benefit most from development. With investment at this scale, there is a genuine opportunity to set new benchmarks for the standard of rail and connectivity in the North.
“What’s now critical is confident, swift delivery. Infrastructure improvements often spark a ripple effect of investment and growth, but we need assurance that plans are well-backed and can move forward quickly. Mixed messages and delays, as seen with NPR, can be damaging to attracting essential private investment.
“As recognised by the Department for Transport’s recent climate adaptation strategy, sustainability must be central to delivery plans, including commitments to protect biodiversity through net gain initiatives, ensuring growth through projects like NPR is fit for the future and stands the test of time. While this requires significant investment, it’s all about balancing interests and collaborating effectively to avoid tipping too far in any direction.”
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