Transport for the North has today set out an ambitious vision for the future of the North’s economy, unveiling draft proposals for northern infrastructure for the next 30 years.
The plans include flagship programmes such as Northern Powerhouse Rail; upgraded and new major roads; enhancements to the existing rail network; and the continued roll out of smart ticketing and makes the case to increase spending on strategic transport by around £50 per person in the North each year to 2050.
Among the proposals is a new rail line between Liverpool and the HS2 Manchester spur via Warrington and a new line between Manchester and Leeds via Bradford while road plans include links between Sheffield and Manchester, via a trans-Pennine Tunnel beneath the A628 Woodhead Pass,
The plan outlines how up to £70 billion of investment to 2050 could contribute towards an additional £100 billion in economic growth for the North’s economy – creating 850,000 extra jobs
Barry White, Chief Executive at Transport for the North, said:
“The Strategic Transport Plan is a hugely important document for the North. It is our vision for a prosperous pan-Northern future and outlines how investment in transport could transform our economy.
“Our Investment Programme outlines how an additional investment of around £50 per person in the North, per year, could play a part in unlocking a £100billion increase in economic activity and create 850,000 new jobs.
“For the people of the North, this will mean more choice over where they live and work, access to higher quality jobs and better connections to friends and families. It will mean our businesses have more opportunity to collaborate, trade and grow in a sustainable way.
“This final Plan will be a statutory document written by the North, for the North, and will be our blueprint to deliver transformational change and leave a legacy for future generations.”
The plans will be considered by TfN’s Board on February 7. Subject to approval the plans will be officially launched on February 11 in Sheffield at the body’s Inaugural Conference. The proposals will then become TfN’s statutory advice to Government.
