Government sets out plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail

The Government has set out plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail, which includes  new rail route between Liverpool and Manchester, running via Manchester Airport and Warrington and improved connections across the Pennines between Manchester, Leeds, Bradford and Sheffield.

Phase 1 will see upgrades across routes between Leeds, Bradford, York and Sheffield.

The second phase of NPR will include 3 new stations at Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly and Warrington Bank Quay Low Level along the route.

The third phase will look at connections between Manchester and Sheffield, Manchester and Leeds and explore options for Manchester to Bradford.Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: "For too long, the North has been held back by underinvestment and years of dither and delay – but that ends now.    

"This new era of investment will reignite the economy across Liverpool and Manchester, helping their iconic sport and cultural industries to thrive, and cementing Manchester Airport as the gateway to the North.   

"This exciting new line will not only speed up journeys, it will open up new jobs and homes for people, making a real difference to millions of lives."

Huw Merriman, Chair of Liverpool-Manchester Rail Partnership Board, said: "This is superb news for the North and for the entire country. NPR is a project I’ve long championed, as a former Chair of the Transport Select Committee, Rail Minister and now Chair of the Liverpool Manchester Railway Board, so it is excellent to see the government backing it in full from the outset, enabling proper planning and delivery that learns the lessons of HS2, as well as keeping options open for addressing North–South capacity on the West Coast Mainline.

"The strong partnership between government and regional leaders will ensure the project reaches its full potential, with new rail infrastructure unlocking the region’s next chapter of growth and acting as a catalyst for new homes, jobs and skills.

"I look forward to working with the government and regional mayors to deliver on NPR’s potential ambition to better connect the UK and drive economic growth.

"There is also a possibility of improvements to busy stations like Liverpool Lime Street and Liverpool Central."