Within the plans to establish the new Northern Powerhouse project, the Chancellor has created Transport for the North (TfN) which aims to bring together the disparate transport authorities of the region to work with the Government on delivering a comprehensive transport strategy to maximise the potential benefits of infrastructure to the region and the rest of the UK.

The first Northern Transport Strategy report is being released today setting out the long term strategy to connect up the North to creating a single economy which will allow Northern towns and cities to pool their resources.

The infrastructure projects being reviewed in the report includes reducing journeying times between major cities with the so called HS3 high speed rail link, developing new East to West road connections which will include a huge tunnel project under the peak district

The Chancellor George Osborne said: “Connecting up the great cities of the North is at the heart of our plan to build a Northern Powerhouse. This report has the potential to revolutionise transport in the North and we will work closely with Transport for the North to help make it a reality.

“From backing high speed rail to introducing simpler fares right across the North, our ambitious plans for transport means we will deliver a truly national recovery where every part of the country will share in Britain’s prosperity.”

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin added: “This dynamic change, led by the Chancellor with Northern leaders, transforms the way government looks at transport solutions for the North.

“No Government has given such attention to the infrastructure of our great northern cities and how to deliver a world-class, integrated transport network for the north.

"The proposals announced today will reduce journey times while increasing capacity and connectivity, enabling growth.

“Creating a Northern Powerhouse of jobs, investment and prosperity, is a key objective of the Government’s long term economic plan. We are planning for transport and growth in a new joined-up way.

“Today, we set out a comprehensive strategy for the northern economy which will help the north pool its strengths. Transport for the North gives the north a powerful new voice.”

The report sets out to demonstrate a long term strategy for connecting the cities of the North to be known as the TransNorth network which aims to link Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle and Hull.

There’s no mention of creating a commuter town close to junction 22 of the M62, which would serve as a commuter town for both Manchester and Leeds whilst bringing the two cities closer together.

The government will now fund the development of the options identified in the report with road and rail plans being jointly commissioned by Transport for the North and Government.

Other measures set out today include:

* The Government will deliver HS2 – Britain’s new north-south high speed railway - in the North sooner by preparing a dedicated hybrid Bill to lay during the next Parliament. This is with a view to bringing HS2 to Crewe sooner than planned, subject to further analysis and final decisions on preferred route. It will also look at the case for accelerating the construction of the route between Leeds and Sheffield, and allowing it to be used by for fast regional train services.

* The Government will take immediate action to simplify rail fares across the North, by streamlining the system of regulated fares. Regulated fares include most commuter fares and some off-peak fares and season tickets. Work will also begin on developing contactless travel cards that can be used across Northern cities as well as on providing simpler, more unified information for passengers, making it easier for them to plan and make their journeys.

* Major improvements to the North’s road network will continue. The Government is to expand the M62 to four lanes between Leeds and Manchester, upgrade the M6 to four lanes, improve the A1 to provide continuous motorway standard between London and Newcastle and widen the M1 to four lane running in Yorkshire and Humber.

* As part of TransNorth, work will begin on better connecting Manchester airport to neighbouring cities in order to boost international links and make the North more globally competitive. There will also be a review for regional airports affected by the recent devolution of air passenger duty.

* The Government and TfN will work together to produce multi-modal freight and logistics strategy for the North, to help the private sector invest with confidence in ports and other freight centres.

* Transport for the North will expand its role to become a representative body for the whole of the North of England and will be led by an independent chair. Government is making available up to £6.4m to support Transport for the North’s strategic work and rail option development and will in addition ensure Highways England is able to take forward its studies identified in the report. This will mean that in total up to £12.5m will be available to take forward development work.

There are a range of options from Network rail for the North Transport Strategy which include:

New Routes





* Leeds to Newcastle times of around 50 minutes (compared to a best time of 87 minutes currently) for an emerging estimate of between £8.5bn and £14.0bn – Option 1

* Sheffield to Manchester times of around 27 minutes (compared to a best time of 48 minutes currently), and Manchester to Leeds in around 30 minutes for an emerging estimate of between £12bn-£19bn – Option 2

* Manchester to Leeds times of around 30 minutes (compared to a best time of 49 minutes currently) for an emerging estimate of between £6.5bn and £10.0bn – Option 3

* Liverpool to Manchester times of around 20 minutes (compared to a best time of 32 minutes currently) for an emerging estimate of between £8.0bn and £13.0bn – Option 4

* Leeds to Hull times of around 28 minutes (compared to a best time of 55 minutes currently) for an emerging estimate of between £5.5bn and £9bn – Option 5





Upgrades and cut-offs

* Leeds to Newcastle journey times of around 70-80 minutes for an emerging estimate of between £1bn and £4bn – Option 6

* Sheffield to Manchester times of around 39 minutes for an emerging cost estimate of between £3bn and £5bn – Option 7

* Manchester to Leeds times of around 34 minutes for an emerging cost estimate of between £4.5bn - £7bn – Option 8

* Liverpool to Manchester times of around 23 minutes for an emerging cost estimate of between £4bn and £7bn – Option 9

* Sheffield to Hull times of around 60 minutes (compared to a best time of 86 minutes currently) through upgrading the existing route – Option 10 - or using HS2 into Leeds, combined with the proposed Leeds-Hull improvements

Read the report in full here.