Train

Transforming connectivity in the Northconnecting the people, communities and businesses of the North

Our preferred Northern Powerhouse Rail network will:

Handshake

3.8 million

3.8 million people within 90 minutes of four or more northern cities

People

100000

Over 100,000 more jobs in our urban areas

Graph

£3.4 billion

GVA uplift valued at £3.4bn in 2040

Our vision is of a thriving North of England where modern transport connections drive economic growth and support an excellent quality of life.

The benefits

Aeroplane

Bring Manchester Airport within 90 minutes reach for 4.3 million people (with NPR and HS2)

Train and tunnel

Integrate with HS2, TRU and other rail schemes to maximise benefits for the North

Advanced manufacturing, Energy, Health innovation, Digital

Better connect the North’s ‘prime capabilities’ (advanced manufacturing, energy, health innovation and digital)

Connected

Increasing opportunities for both workers and consumers

Passengers

Reducing disruption and improving capacity across the network

Train

Delivering better freight services and reduced conflict with other traffic

Northern Powerhouse Rail could be delivered over a 20-year period through a combination of new lines, use of planned HS2 infrastructure, and major upgrades to existing routes

Commuters and a steward

The picture today

There has been significant and sustained growth in rail passenger numbers over recent years across Sheffield City Region. Over 9.9 million passengers pass through Sheffield station each year, an increase of 18% since 2010.

As one of the nation’s most scenic cities with a charismatic and youthful atmosphere, Sheffield has a vast amount to offer the country. However, with sub-standard rail connections to other northern cities like Manchester and Leeds, the city struggles to attract the investment it deserves. A modern rail service will be at the heart of the whole Sheffield City Region achieving its true potential.

Image of Tim Cook Tim Wood
Director, Northern Powerhouse Rail
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Connecting and empowering the North's
prime capabilities

Advanced manufacturing

Advanced Manufacturing

Energy

Energy

Health innovation

Health Innovation

Digital

Digital

A blueprint for the future

Options currently being explored for Sheffield include a new train line to connect the city with the HS2 mainline via a junction east of Barnsley to provide rapid and reliable services to Leeds, alongside major upgrades to the city’s rail connections with Manchester and Hull.

Map Key

Northern Powerhouse Rail junctions with HS2

1
Junction on HS2 mainline for Leeds - North East services
2
Junction on HS2 Leeds spur to facilitate through services via existing Leeds station
3
Junction on HS2 mainline for Sheffield - Leeds services
4
Junction at Manchester Piccadilly to support Northern Powerhouse Rail platforms
5
Junction on HS2 Manchester spur for Manchester - Liverpool services
6
South facing junction on HS2 mainline for London - Liverpool services
Map of routes

Expectations

Northern Powerhouse Rail could deliver a step-change in Sheffield’s connectivity, delivering transformational, clean, economic growth.

With Transport for the North’s preferred network, we expect:

Residents

A resilient and reliable network
that will reduce disruption and improve capacity

2.1 million
more people within 90 minutes of Sheffield city centre *

Train
Connecting businesses

62000
more businesses within 90 minutes of Sheffield *

* Benefits are based on preliminary assessment and are subject to change.

The North must rise to the occasion. Now is the time to help make a vision for better rail a reality.

Northern Powerhouse Rail:

Connecting and growing the economy of the North of England.