A new high-speed railway line has been proposed between two of England’s greatest cities

The government has officially committed to building a new high-speed railway line between Birmingham and Manchester. Yes, that’s pretty much what was promised in the HS2 plans that were controversially scrapped back in 2023, though the government says that it ‘won’t be a revival of HS2’. 

The plan for the new route was set out by the government earlier this month. It’ll run between the two cities via Manchester Airport and Warrington, with new stations built at Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly and Warrington Bank Quay Low Level. It’s hoped that it’ll ease pressure on the West Coast Main Line and cut travel times between northern towns and cities. 

There’s quite a while to wait, though. First, the government says it’ll work with local partners to carry out a feasibility study. Delivery isn’t expected to start until the 2030s.  

The new line is part the second phase of a wider scheme that the government has called Northern Powerhouse Rail, which aims to improve links throughout the north of England. This phase also involves improving connections across the Pennines between Manchester, Leeds, Bradford and Sheffield and could see upgrades to busy hubs like Liverpool Lime Street and Liverpool Central.

The third and final stage will apparently focus on improved connections between Manchester and Sheffield, Manchester and Leeds and explore options for Manchester to Bradford.

Heidi Alexander, the UK transport secretary, said: ‘For too long, the North has been held back by underinvestment and years of dither and delay – but that ends now.

‘This new era of investment will reignite the economy across Liverpool and Manchester, helping their iconic sport and cultural industries to thrive, and cementing Manchester Airport as the gateway to the North.

‘This exciting new line will not only speed up journeys, it will open up new jobs and homes for people, making a real difference to millions of lives.’

Did you see that the UK has a new sleeper train route for 2026?

Plus: One of the greatest towns to visit in the UK in 2026 could be getting a new direct train from London. 

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