A significant investment in the North of England’s transport infrastructure has been secured, with the government confirming funding for the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU).
The TRU will transform the main line between Manchester and York, delivering faster, more frequent, and greener services. Key benefits include:
- Reduced journey times between Manchester and Leeds to 42 minutes
- Up to 6 fast services per hour between Manchester and York
- Electrification of the entire 70-mile route, reducing carbon emissions
The government’s commitment to this project shows a focus on leveling up the North of England. By investing in vital infrastructure, the government aims to boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for residents and businesses across the region.
Journey times between the major cities of Manchester and Leeds will be slashed from 50 to 42 minutes, with up to 6 fast services every hour. Services from Manchester to York will also be cut by 10 minutes.
Rachel Reeves and Louise Haigh will welcome the completion of a major milestone that’s already been delivered on the west of the route, with electric trains running between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge. Once complete, the full 70-mile TRU route will be fully electrified, helping save 87,000 tonnes of carbon each year.
The cabinet ministers will also hear how the TRU is already supporting thousands of local jobs, with 5,000 people currently working on the project, including over 300 apprentices, helping local people progress their careers in and around their hometowns.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, 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 last week.
“Securing the delivery of these two important schemes brings our key northern economic centres closer together. This government is ending 14 years of neglect of the north, instead bolstering the region’s immense growth power to benefit the whole country.”
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.
“That’s why I am delighted the Chancellor’s first Budget secured the delivery of 2 multi-billion-pound projects that will be vital for rail and road journeys across the north of England.
“I look forward to working on the successful delivery of both schemes that will make a huge different to people’s everyday journeys – making travelling between these great towns and cities quicker, easier and greener.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “This major investment in our roads and railways will mean better connections between Greater Manchester and key towns and cities across the Pennines.
“After years of failed promises, it’s a real statement of intent from this new government that will provide quicker, more reliable journeys for millions of people, and help to unlock the enormous potential of the north as an engine for growth.”
Network Rail Chief Executive, Andrew Haines, 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.
“Today’s visit provided both the Chancellor and Transport Secretary with an opportunity to see first-hand the substantial progress being made by our teams along the 70-miles of Transpennine Route, including the electrification upgrades between Manchester and Stalybridge. We welcome their full support on this major transformation project.”
