Extra trans-pennine route ‘needed to boost economy’

The Institution of Civil Engineers warns that a lack of connections between Leeds and Sheffield and congestion in Yorkshire’s urban areas are obstacles to economic growth in the region.

Its report, published this morning, also calls for better road access to the Humber ports and the region’s airports.

Warning that economic growth nationally is being undermined by “political disagreement on projects, patchy investment, inadequate maintenance and the absence of clear, strategic thinking”, ICE argues that decisions on major infrastructure should be taken by a new body at arm’s length from government.

Steven Hayter, who chaired the panel producing the report, said despite some progress Government strategy and objectives on transport remained “unclear”.

He went on: “The need for a coherent, long-term transport strategy – particularly for England – is becoming urgent. Without one, investments and improvements to the networks will continue to be delayed, uncertain, expensive to deliver and inefficient.

“We are confident government recognises this, but it is time to translate intent into action. It has an immediate opportunity to show it is serious about creating a more strategic framework for transport, by bringing forward the delayed Green Paper on future ownership and funding of our strategic roads network.”

Mr Hayter warned that strategy alone will not deliver improvements.

He added: “The decision making framework needs a ‘shake-up’ if we are to see the transport infrastructure we need actually get delivered and within reasonable timescales.”

Rail services used the Woodhead route across the Pennines until a large section was closed in 1981.

The ICE report suggests there should be investigation into whether it could provide an “alternative transport corridor” for passengers and freight between Sheffield and Manchester.

Transport Minister Stephen Hammond said: “A good transport network is essential in driving economic growth and prosperity both now and in the long term.

“That is why we are investing in roads, rail and public transport across the board from funding local transport improvements and tackling pinch-points on the road network to longer-term measures like taking forward a massive programme of rail investment and transforming the economic geography of the country with HS2.”

He added: “We are also looking for new ways to run our national strategic roads network, drawing on the best experience from other sectors and countries. We hope to make an announcement on this work shortly. This report is a useful and informed contribution to the debate on how to get the best from our transport network.”