The One North report outlines a 15-year investment plan and has been produced by an alliance of , Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle and Sheffield.

Proposals include 150% additional capacity on roads and as much as 55% faster journey times on a more frequent interconnected rail network.

It would also deliver new trains running on a dedicated 125 mph trans-Pennine rail-link, a faster route to Newcastle and better access to ports and airports.

One North has been supported by a significant number of other key cities and regions including Hull, Bradford, Wakefield and York – who have all helped shape the findings of the report.

The report proposes:
• Increased road capacity for both freight and personal travel through extended managed motorways, addressing gaps in the network and improving links to ports.
• A very fast, frequent and high quality intercity rail network joining up city regions – including a new trans-Pennine route (tunnelled as necessary), a faster link to Newcastle and improved access to Manchester Airport.
• Improved regional rail networks to provide additional capacity and help sustain growth, interconnected with HS2 and intercity services plus local tram networks and more park and ride facilities.
• New rolling stock (as a priority), electrification of existing lines, higher service frequencies and addressing pinch-points on the rail network.
• A digital infrastructure enabling real-time information, greater network resilience and faster connections between key areas to personal and business users.
• Improved access to enable efficient freight movements by rail, road and water including ports, rail links and distribution centres.
• Building HS2 early – extending Phase One to Crewe and bringing forwards the delivery of HS2 between Leeds and Sheffield.
• Improving East/West rail freight capability across the Pennines, linking major ports to north/south rail routes.

The report was welcomed by Chancellor George Osborne at its launch today.

He said: “Today I give you this personal commitment.

“Work with me over the coming months and together we will make a reality of the plan I’ve set out for the Northern Powerhouse.

“I’m ready to commit new money, new infrastructure, new transport and new science. And real new civic power too.

“Today I’m setting out the Pathway to this Northern Powerhouse, so we deliver a real improvement in the long term economic performance of the north of England.

“This will be a centrepiece of my Autumn Statement – and part of our long term economic plan for the country.”