The government has published an update on its Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) programme and confirmed its intention to develop a new rail line between Birmingham and Manchester.
The Treasury has clarified that this line will not be a reinstatement of the HS2 Phase 2b extension cancelled in 2023. Instead, the proposed Birmingham–Manchester route is planned to follow the completion of NPR as a separate long-term project.
With a total funding cap of £45 billion, the programme is expected to deliver:
A new Liverpool–Manchester route via Warrington and Manchester Airport
Improved Trans-Pennine links between Manchester, Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield and York
Faster and more frequent services across the North
Enhanced connections to Newcastle, Hull and North Wales
According to the government, benefits from Northern Powerhouse Rail are expected “from the 2030s.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "Northern Powerhouse Rail will deliver faster, more frequent services across the great cities of the North, unlocking jobs, homes and opportunities and creating a world-class growth corridor that the people of the region need and deserve."
Phased delivery of Northern Powerhouse Rail
Phase 1: Early Upgrades
Better rail links between Leeds, Sheffield, York and Bradford
Early improvements to capacity and reliability
Development work on the Leamside Line in the North East
Phase 2: New Liverpool–Manchester Route
A brand-new line between Liverpool and Manchester
Running via Warrington and Manchester Airport
Designed to reduce journey times and improve airport access
Phase 3: Trans-Pennine Improvements
Faster, more frequent services across the Pennines
Improved connections between Manchester, Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield and York
Onward Connections
Services will continue to:
Newcastle (via Darlington and Durham)
Hull
Chester, providing links to North Wales
Long-Term Ambition (Beyond NPR)
A future new rail line between Manchester and Birmingham
To be delivered after NPR and separate from HS2