A comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing transportation across the United Kingdom is set to significantly reduce journey times, notably bringing portions of North Wales within a one-hour reach of Manchester through the substantial upgrade of the North Wales Main Line. This transformative initiative is fueled by a £36 billion investment drawn from savings generated by HS2, with these funds set to be channeled into a multitude of transport projects nationwide.
We have announced the Network North plan, which will still see HS2 delivered between Birmingham and Euston in central London.
But every penny that would have been spent extending the route will instead be redirected into local transport projects to drive economic growth and provide jobs.
Network North will deliver greater connectivity across the country with faster journey times, increased capacity and more frequent, reliable services, and connections will also be strengthened across the UK.
An unprecedented £1 billion investment will bring parts of North Wales within an hour of Manchester through a major upgrade of the North Wales Main Line, including electrification.
It will mean journeys will become more punctual and reliable on the 105-mile route between Crewe, Liverpool, Warrington, Wrexham and Holyhead, where ferry services run to Dublin.
The funding comes alongside £12 billion set aside for Northern Powerhouse Rail, allowing delivery of high-speed links between Manchester and Liverpool as previously planned.
