Northern Powerhouse Rail update after meeting between mayors and officials in Sheffield
The Government announced the £45bn Northern Powerhouse Rail plan in January, which sees a number of Yorkshire routes prioritised in phase one.
Yorkshire’s three Labour mayors have met with Government officials, experts and the Rail Minister to discuss delivering the first phase of Northern Powerhouse Rail.
Lord David Blunkett chaired the inaugural meeting of the White Rose Rail Board yesterday, alongside West Yorkshire’s Tracy Brabin, South Yorkshire’s Oliver Coppard and York and North Yorkshire’s David Skaith.
The trio tasked the former Cabinet minister and Sheffield MP with putting together a realistic report on rail improvements across the region last year.
This led into the Government’s announcement of the £45bn Northern Powerhouse Rail plan in January, which sees a number of Yorkshire routes prioritised in phase one.
The board met in Sheffield, with Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy attending virtually, to discuss the first phase of works.
Early investment will focus on electrification and upgrades between Sheffield and Leeds, supporting up to four fast trains an hour and significantly improving reliability.
Capacity is set to be increased at Leeds, Sheffield and York to allow capabilities for “turn up and go” services.
Improved connections with Manchester and a new through station at Bradford are expected to come in later phases.
Lord Blunkett said: “Together with external partners, including Network Rail, I'm certain that we can develop a timetable and programme of delivery which will dramatically improve the connectivity, reliability and speed of travel for the people of Yorkshire and our connection across the Pennines, and to the north and south of our area.
“Crucial milestones will now be developed, the allocation of resources firmed up, and there will be key alignment with the government's recently announced Growth Strategy for the North of England – together with the jobs, development of skills, partnership with business and local authorities which are so crucial to making delivery happen.”
Mr Coppard said: “Yorkshire is at the front of the queue on Northern Powerhouse Rail.
“Working together – with our fellow mayors across Yorkshire and beyond, government and industry partners – we are building a rail network that works for us here in Yorkshire and sets us up for the future.”
Lord Hendy added: “For too long the North has been held back by underinvestment and a rail network that isn’t good enough. Together with mayors and industry partners, this Government has a plan to turn this tide and finally give the region the transport links it needs and deserves.”