The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North East has called for a new timetable for upgrades to rail infrastructure to be published as soon as possible, to keep the Northern Powerhouse on track.
Following news that the electrification of the line between Manchester and Leeds, which directly links to the North East, has been delayed, Penny Marshall, ICE North East’s Director, said: “While Government has stressed that there will be no cuts to rail investment, and that electrification programme is only pausing until the new Network Rail chair has undertaken a review, the set back is still disappointing. It is important that a new timetable is established as soon as possible so confidence in the “Northern Powerhouse” vision is maintained.
“This issue also brings to the fore the need for a national transport strategy. The Manchester to Leeds electrification project plays a vital role in better connecting our northern cities, but the wider electrification programme is also a catalyst for improved capacity, resilience and decarbonising the rail network as a whole. If we are going to achieve this, projects should be developed as part of a long term vision, not in isolation.”