Manchester to get £3.5bn railway investment as part of £92bn government funding for transport projects
Manchester is set to receive £3.5bn for railway infrastructure as part of a broader £92 billion transport investment by the government.
Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government recently confirmed funding for a series of major transport projects across the North as part of the broader £92 billion transport investment outlined in the Spending Review, aimed at boosting economic growth, job creation, and housing development under the Government’s Plan for Change.
Rail infrastructure in Manchester is set for transformation, with £3.5 billion earmarked for the Transpennine Route Upgrade which includes reducing travel times between Manchester and Leeds from 55 to 41 minutes and boosting capacity at key stations such as Manchester Victoria, Piccadilly, and Salford Crescent.
To further ease local travel, the Government has greenlit the Middlewich Eastern Bypass and committed support for three additional road schemes across the region. These include a new road between Chapels and Grizebeck on the A595, enhancements to the A34 corridor in Stockport, and the A582 South Ribble Western Distributor—subject to final approval.
While not major highways, these schemes are expected to cut congestion, improve commute times, and facilitate new housing and job opportunities. These initiatives form part of a nationwide push to upgrade over 50 road and rail links, aimed at supporting 42,000 jobs, enabling housing developments, and enhancing daily connectivity for thousands of people.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Transport is the backbone of our economy, which is why we are giving them the record funding boost they need, putting taxpayer’s money where it matters most and making every day journeys easier.
“With over £92 billion investment, including the biggest ever boost for city regions in the North and Midlands, we’re delivering the schemes that fast-track economic growth and jobs, connect communities, and will help us build 1.5 million new homes, as we deliver our Plan for Change.
“We’re forging ahead with the vital new transport infrastructure Britain needs, and improving what we’ve already got, to deliver a new era of renewal and opportunity.”