Following the recent budget announcement, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Transport Secretary Louise Haigh have confirmed that two major transport projects, the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) and the A57 road upgrade have secured the necessary multi-billion-pound funding to proceed.
The TRU programme is expected to transform the key rail line from Manchester to York, via Leeds and Huddersfield, into a high-performing, reliable, and electrified railway.
According the government, once complete, the full 70-mile TRU route will be fully electrified, helping save 87,000 tonnes of carbon each year.
Journey times between major cities are said to be ‘slashed’, with the Manchester to Leeds journey reduced from 50 to 42 minutes, and Manchester to York times cut by 10 minutes.
Frequency will also increase, with up to 6 fast services per hour, the government confirmed.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: "Investment in our transport infrastructure is vital to delivering our growth mission.
“Without improvements to our roads and rail we won't be able to create jobs and boost business, which is why I prioritised projects like the Transpennine Route Upgrade and the long awaited A57 upgrade in the Budget."
The government additionally reported that the TRU project currently employs 5,000 people, including more than 300 apprentices.
In addition, work will soon begin on the £250 million A57 link road upgrade.
This scheme has been announced to improve journey times between Manchester and Sheffield, as well as benefit local communities through reduced congestion and pollution.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said: "Reliable, well-connected transport links are crucial to driving up productivity and unlocking opportunities for jobs, education and businesses across our towns and cities.
“But for too long, the north's transport infrastructure has been neglected."
The announcements were warmly welcomed by Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester who expressed his enthusiasm about the investment.
“This major investment in our roads and railways will mean better connections between Greater Manchester and key towns and cities across the Pennines,” he explained.
CILT(UK) Chartered Fellow and Network Rail Chief Executive Andrew Haines FCILT praised the support and said: "This vital project will transform connectivity across the north delivering a significant economic boost for the region, and it's going well.
“Passengers and communities alike have been hugely supportive and understanding as we work night and day to make our plans a reality."