An independent assessment in the North West of England has set out a new way forward for rail investment in the North West of England. Published as a discussion paper by the UK2070 Commission, the report outlines four priorities for rail investment:
- Resolving the problem of rail network congestion in central Manchester
- Making the best use of investment committed in HS2
- Bringing the West Coast Main Line north of Crewe into the 21st century, in terms of capacity and quality
- Bringing the old industrial towns back into the heart of the region
The authors argue that the decision to abandon HS2 between Birmingham and Crewe was flawed and needs to be reconsidered. An aspiration for better pan-Northern connections must remain. But emphasis should be placed on where the North West’s main problems lie – in central Manchester – and on upgrading existing trans Pennine routes, as well as existing links between Crewe, Manchester and Liverpool, rather than building new high-speed lines.
The authors are transport planning consultant David Thrower; Professor Ian Wray at Liverpool University’s Heseltine Institute and Manchester University; and Jim Steer, director of Greengauge 21.
Jim Steer said: ‘The North West has many of the assets for growth and its big cities have seen a remarkable turnaround, but the weakness of its transport connections remains a barrier. The inherited Victorian rail network has seen low investment, low speeds and poor quality. Upgrading the system would increase productivity and economic growth, widening labour markets and securing agglomeration economies’.
David Thrower said: ‘Our suggestions are pragmatic. We are putting forward projects which build on investment already committed including HS2, whilst making best use of the region’s inherited rail system A great deal can be done at relatively low cost’.
Professor Ian Wray said: ‘We could bring HS2 services to Liverpool and Manchester by upgrading existing routes; reconnect the existing severed Liverpool-Wigan-Manchester railway line; and resolve congestion in central Manchester, either by a flyover and platforms at Piccadilly, or a short new city centre tunnel, like Liverpool’s 1970’s rail tunnels’.
Professor Cecilia Wong, Chair of the UK 2070 Commission on regional inequalities, said: ‘This report sets out a framework of priorities for investment, whilst advocating a new mechanism for agreeing plans and sticking to them. It demands careful attention’.
