North of England rail investment plan set out by government

The government has outlined the Northern Powerhouse Rail programme, allocating £1.1bn for design and preparation and planning phased upgrades and new lines with construction not expected before 2030.

The government has published an outline for Northern Powerhouse Rail, a multibillion-pound programme of rail upgrades and new lines across the north of England. It says an initial £1.1bn will fund design and preparation, with construction not expected until after 2030. The plan is to deliver work in phases, beginning with upgrades between Leeds, York, Bradford and Sheffield, followed by a new Liverpool–Manchester route and later improvements linking Manchester with cities in Yorkshire. The proposals also include station work and new stations at Bradford and Rotherham Gateway. Key details: - The programme is called Northern Powerhouse Rail and aims to speed journeys and increase service frequency. - £1.1bn has been allocated for design and preparation, and construction is not expected until after 2030. - Phased delivery: upgrades between Leeds, York, Bradford and Sheffield; a new Liverpool–Manchester route; then improved Manchester–Yorkshire links. - Station work planned for Leeds, Sheffield and York, with proposed new stations at Bradford and Rotherham Gateway. - Central government funding is capped at £45bn, with the possibility of additional local contributions; the government said it could add up to £40bn to the UK economy. - The Department for Transport will pursue the business case to re-open the Leamside line, and a wider Northern Growth Strategy is planned for publication in spring. Summary: Officials say the programme could shorten commutes and support regional investment, and they intend a three-year detailed planning period to limit the risk of cost overruns following past large rail projects. The government has not committed further funds beyond 2029 apart from the £1.1bn design allocation, and has set a £45bn cap on central funding. Political opponents warned the plans risk being scaled back, while industry groups highlighted potential benefits for regional connectivity. Next steps include the detailed planning work over the coming three years and publication of the Northern Growth Strategy in spring.