The UK government has presented the next phase of development for the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) project, which will enhance connectivity between Liverpool and Manchester.
This project will help deliver faster journey times, more frequent rail services and better connectivity across the North.
The next phase of the project follows extensive consultations with local leaders and MPs. This has led to a consensus that the Northern Powerhouse Rail should serve Warrington Bank Quay and Manchester Airport along the route between Manchester and Liverpool.
“Today, we are setting out the next steps for how we can transform east-west rail links in the North, helping to boost economic growth between key Northern cities as part of our Network North plan.
“I thank local leaders and local MPs for sharing their views and facilitating constructive conversations. I have heard a clear consensus, which means we can now take another crucial step towards delivering Northern Powerhouse Rail, part of this government’s plan to boost rail capacity, deliver faster journey times and offer better connectivity across the North.”
Northern Powerhouse Rail aims to reduce journey times by around a third, meaning the route between Liverpool and Manchester Piccadilly would be reduced from around 50 minutes to 35 minutes.
In addition, it seeks to deliver a ‘turn up and go’ service, where passengers know the next train will only be 10 to 15 minutes away.
Finally, the government states that capacity could be trebled between Liverpool and Leeds, offering 2,100 extra seats per hour in each direction.
