Chris Green has welcomed the Government’s publication of a blueprint for how £13 billion of government investment in transport will help create the Northern Powerhouse. This blueprint will show how we are delivering record investment in transport infrastructure for people in Bolton West and across the North West.
Creating a Northern Powerhouse means rebalancing the nation’s economy, and capitalising on the fundamental strengths of Bolton West and cities across the North. The Government is investing £13 billion on transport in the North of England in this Parliament alone and with the creation of Transport for the North, the North will be firmly in the driving seat.
The Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin today visited the Farnworth Tunnel to celebrate the start of tunnelling work. The new tunnel, together with electrification of the line, will allow faster trains and more seats to run between Preston and Manchester via Bolton – one of the busiest commuter routes in the North West.
At Sefton, the Secretary joined with Sefton Borough Council to celebrate the end of works on the new Broom’s Cross link road following an investment of £14.5 million by the Government. The new road will relieve congestion on local roads and deliver improved public transport, walking and cycling links.
Major projects already delivered in the North West include increased capacity on Trans Penine Express services; electrification between Liverpool, Manchester and Wigan and; longer trains on the Cumbrian Coast. This means more services more often for people across the North West.
Projects underway include the redevelopment of Manchester Victoria Station; real-time customer information screens at 140 new stations; a new southern entrance as Leeds Station; doubling of services between Manchester and Liverpool, Macclesfield, and Chester, and between Bolton and Stockport; upgrading the Trans Penine motorway and the A628 between Manchester and South Yorkshire. These projects will bring cities and regions closer together, making it easier for people across the North to access markets and deploy their skills.
Chris commented:
‘I welcome this blueprint for investment in transport across the North as a demonstration of the Conservatives’ commitment to a one-nation approach – rebalancing our economy and creating a Northern Powerhouse.
‘Bringing the cities and regions of the North West together and strengthening connections will help to create new opportunities and jobs for the people of Bolton West.
‘The people of Bolton West want a transport network that is better, faster and more reliable. Powered by a huge increase in investment and ambition right across the country, that is what our long-term economic plan will deliver.’
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said:
‘Good transport is vital for local communities and is a fundamental part of creating the Northern Powerhouse. As a one-nation government we are determined to bring prosperity to every corner of our country and through the Northern Powerhouse we aim to help the North unleash its power and create a balanced, healthier economy – good for people in the North and across the United Kingdom.’