The government has announced the launch of two major new studies - worth more than £1.5 million - into new transport schemes that are intended to address some of the biggest road challenges in the north of England. 

Options are being investigated to improve east to west links between the M6 in Cumbria and the A1(M) in the north-east. 

Major transport improvements will also be explored in the hope of alleviating congestion on the M60 and M62 between Trafford and Bury, which has become one of the busiest stretches of motorway in the country.

Road minister Andrew Jones said this forms part of the government's long term economic plan to invest £13 billion in the north's transport infrastructure. 

"Our investment is helping create a Northern Powerhouse and ensuring hardworking people up and down the country feel the benefits of economic growth," he commented.