Lord Blunkett has launched a transformative plan to revamp Yorkshire’s railways, addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges and setting the stage for faster, more reliable services across the region. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Lord Blunkett has launched a transformative plan to revamp Yorkshire’s railways, addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges and setting the stage for faster, more reliable services across the region
A plan for Yorkshire rail network has been revealed (image credit: West Yorkshire Combined Authority)

The proposal, Yorkshire’s Plan for Rail, outlines new station projects, upgraded services, and strategic developments that support jobs, housing, and economic growth. Modern rolling stock and short-term service enhancements also play a key role.

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Upgrading Capacity Across Yorkshire’s Railways

The plan prioritizes capacity expansion at Leeds, Sheffield, and York stations. It also includes a new through-station in Bradford and a mainline station in Rotherham to improve regional connectivity.

Electrification and upgrades between Leeds and Sheffield are central to the strategy. Additional goals include boosting frequency on routes to Scarborough, Esk Valley, the Penistone Line, and Wakefield’s Five Towns area.

To fund the improvements, the report requests £2.4bn by 2030 and approximately £14bn in total by 2040. These figures are separate from the £2.5bn needed for tram expansion in West and South Yorkshire.

Strategic Vision for the Future of Yorkshire’s Railways

The review calls for stronger devolved powers to implement regional rail upgrades more effectively. Leaders believe these changes could add £20bn to the regional economy and create 83,000 jobs over ten years.

It also envisions the development of 210,000 homes supported by the improved rail network. Officials see this as a rare chance to reverse decades of underinvestment in northern transport infrastructure.

Lord Blunkett, joined by three regional mayors at the Leeds launch, emphasized the urgency of action. He described the plan as a credible, affordable roadmap for lasting improvement across Yorkshire’s railways and the wider North.

Source: www.insidermedia.com

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