Plans to expand high-speed rail in northern England, specifically the Northern Powerhouse Rail project, have been delayed and will not be revealed during the upcoming Labour Party conference. This postponement reportedly stems from concerns regarding the long-term costs associated with the proposed rail line connecting Liverpool and Manchester.
Insiders indicated that the delay is due to an extended review process, aimed at avoiding the issues that have plagued the HS2 project, which has faced significant problems and delays. Although announcements had been anticipated in recent months regarding the project’s progress, none have materialized. Both Downing Street and the Treasury have been contacted for comments.
The concept of Northern Powerhouse Rail was introduced by former Chancellor George Osborne in 2014 and aimed to reduce travel times between major cities in northern England while fostering economic growth outside of London. Various governments have modified the initial proposal over the years, and although Chancellor Rachel Reeves expressed intentions to advance the plans, no specific announcements have been made as of yet.
Recent developments include a proposed plan from the Department of Transport seeking preparation and development funds of up to £1.5 billion, intended for construction to commence around 2030. However, there appears to be a cautious approach to processing these plans to ensure thorough evaluation.
Concerns remain about the overall value for money of the project, particularly regarding the proposed connection of Manchester Airport to the city center. Notably, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has called for progress on the rail line, and the current delays have prompted criticisms that further indecision could hinder the project’s viability.
In the context of earlier cancellations tied to HS2 Phase 2, part of the saved budget was allocated for Northern Powerhouse Rail. However, recent commentary from figures in the think tank sector has questioned the project’s relevance, sparking discussions about its future.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckge94030g7o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss