Elected northern mayors, council and business leaders have urged the government to commit to Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) after announcing their initial route preferences.

They say securing funding and commitment for the project - a network of new and significantly upgraded rail lines for the north of England - is a critical component of the government’s desire to level up economic performance of the north with the rest of the country.

The proposed network spans from Liverpool to Hull, Sheffield and the north-east, and would begin construction in 2024/5. It also links fully with HS2, with shared track, stations and junctions in parts, and includes:

• A new line to be constructed from Liverpool to Manchester via the centre of Warrington;
• A new line to be constructed from Manchester to Leeds via the centre of Bradford;
• Significant upgrades and journey time improvements to the Hope Valley route between Manchester and Sheffield;
• Connecting Sheffield to HS2 and on to Leeds;
• Significant upgrades and electrification of the rail lines from Leeds and Sheffield to Hull;
• Significant upgrades of the East Coast Mainline from Leeds to Newcastle (via York and Darlington) and restoration of the Leamside line.

The NPR’s initial preferred way forward will now be sent to transport secretary Grant Shapps, with further decisions set for January and work continuing jointly with the Department for Transport on an updated business case to be submitted in spring 2021.

Tim Wood, Northern Powerhouse Rail director, said: “This is a significant moment for Northern Powerhouse Rail, we have an initial preferred way forward for a rail network that will deliver thousands of jobs, cut carbon emissions and slash journey times between the north’s towns, cities and beyond.

“With the need to build back better following the Covid-19 pandemic, delivery of long-term, job-creating infrastructure projects like Northern Powerhouse Rail need to be a critical component of the agenda. The preferred network would be transformational for the north’s economy and allow northern workers access to enhanced opportunities through a wider jobs market.

“We’ll now enter discussions with government and look at ways in which the number of remaining options can be further shortlisted and delivery accelerated for the sake of the north’s communities and future.”

The move comes ahead of the much-anticipated publication of a new report that will set out long-term investment plans for rail upgrades in the north. The government’s Integrated Rail Plan – due to be published by the end of this year – is expected to recommend how investment in rail projects like Northern Powerhouse Rail, HS2 Phase 2b, and the TransPennine Route Upgrade (a separate project) will be delivered.

Tim Wood added: “The Integrated Rail Plan is a significant moment to secure a long-term, funded infrastructure pipeline for the north. Transport for the North has been consistent that this should include HS2 and NPR in full and deliver the full ambition to transform the north.”

Northern Rail Industry Leaders (NRIL), a group of more 150 rail business in the north of England, have also welcomed TfN’s announcement on the preferred route for Northern Powerhouse Rail.

Justin Moss and Mike Hulme, co-chairs of the NRIL, said: “This is a positive step for Northern Powerhouse Rail and will be very much welcomed by Northern rail businesses, including NRIL members. With Transport for the North confirming a preferred way forward for the route, we now urge the government to give Northern Powerhouse Rail the green light and ensure the project plays a leading role in supporting the UK’s economic recovery post-Coronavirus.”