The government has today, July 19, 2022, made £959 million in additional money available to advance the ambitious Transpennine route project.
For the purpose of advancing the levelling up and decarbonization goals of this government, this money represents a substantial accomplishment and another step toward modernising the important east-west train route through the northern part of England.
This funding will allow for continued on-the-ground delivery of electrification and route time enhancement works, primarily west of Leeds, in addition to advancing the design of some sections of the upgrade.
By the middle of the decade, electric trains will be able to run between Manchester and Stalybridge, which will be one of the first noticeable advantages.
Along with plans to open up freight flows and remove thousands of lorries off the road, we are also creating a scope that will allow the Transpennine route improvement to become the first stage of Northern Powerhouse Rail.
Additionally, we are increasing the Transpennine route upgrading expenditure from £2.9 billion to between £9.0 billion and £11.5 billion, more than tripling it.
By making this additional investment, the entire line will be electrified, additional tracks will be made available for commercial and freight services, and rail customers will experience more dependable, punctual, comfortable, and environmentally friendly rail travel.
The government has already authorised more than £2 billion in funds for the refurbishment.
This government’s dedication to improving rail connectivity throughout the north as part of the Integrated Rail Plan is reaffirmed by the additional £959 million in financing.