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Transport for the North sets out 30-year investment plan

Transport for the North (TfN) has set out its initial plans for a Northern Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), a 30-year investment plan of infrastructure projects to underpin greener growth.

The £5bn pipeline includes rail, road, active travel and smart ticketing proposals; some of which could be started over the next six to 18 months to help the economy ‘build back better’ after the COVID-19 pandemic.

It also underpins TfN’s proposed Economic Recovery Plan (ERP) recently agreed by the North’s business and civic leaders.
The ERP is aimed at accelerating delivery of infrastructure projects to help ‘rebuild and transform the North’ by making transport more accessible and inclusive, and decarbonising the economy in the years to come.

It is also aimed at rebuilding and transforming the capacity and resilience of the North’s rail network and laying the groundwork for projects like Northern Powerhouse Rail to futureproof the region’s railway for generations to come.

It also highlights the need for accelerating the green transition, including pilots of hydrogen and battery powered trains, as well as rolling out essential charging infrastructure from electric vehicles.

‘Our focus must be on rebuilding the North’s economy, which was already at an economic disadvantage to the South before COVID-19 hit,’ said chief executive, Barry White.

‘Our Economic Recovery Plan outlines quick-fire ways to rapidly invest in shovel-ready infrastructure projects and initiatives, helping rebuild and transform the North over the next few years.

‘We believe that’ll not only deliver an economic prize, to the tune of 20,000 jobs and a return of £3 for every £1 spent but – more importantly – a social return. It’ll help better connect communities, slash carbon emissions from transport in the North and support people in living healthier lives.

‘Crucially, these aren’t new or over-ambitious asks,’ added Mr White.

‘They’re projects already in the system that now need the starting gun firing or a bit of work to nudge them across the line. We have welcomed the government’s ambition to accelerate projects and this is a great opportunity for its recently formed Northern Transport Acceleration Council to drive forward the delivery of projects. This sets up a great combination – Transport for the North using its local knowledge to identify projects and Government using its political heft to push forward delivery.

‘The Economic Recovery Plan, and the Northern Infrastructure Pipeline within it, is aimed at how we rebuild and transform the North. It shows Northern leaders coming together at a time of national crisis and putting a united, pragmatic plan to our partners in Government, outlining some of the priority projects and when they could be delivered with the right will and collaboration.’

 

Photo Credit – Michael Gaida (Pixabay)

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