Sir John Armitt today welcomed Transport for the North’s strategic plan, including its renewed focus on prioritising Northern Powerhouse Rail, as an important step forward towards a transformed transport network across the North of England.

The plan proposes new road and rail links aimed at boosting the region’s economy and unlocking new jobs, including a new line between Liverpool and the HS2 Manchester spur and a new link connecting Manchester and Leeds via Bradford.

Responding, Deputy Chairman of the National Infrastructure Commission Sir John Armitt said,

“Today’s Strategic Transport Plan for the North marks a major step forward in the development of a single shared vision to reduce journey times, increase capacity and improve reliability on the roads and railways linking the major cities of the North.

“In our High Speed North report we called for a transformed rail network and major upgrades to the northern motorway network in order to super-charge the region’s economic development, so we’re pleased that the TfN has responded positively to these recommendations.

“It will be important now for the Government and TfN to work together and make rapid progress towards delivering the long-term transformation that the northern transport networks need, alongside taking short-term action to ensure passengers and commuters continue to see improvements in their regular journeys.”