Budget 2011: £85m to link train stations

The government today (Wednesday 23 March 2011) announced £85million of investment which will link Manchester Victoria and Manchester Piccadilly train stations.

The aim of the link is to help reduce journey times.

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said:“The Government’s investment in this £85m scheme is great news for rail passengers on both sides of the Pennines and shows the Government’s commitment to investing in our existing railways, while also planning a new high speed network.

“This new stretch of track will enable Trans Pennine trains from Leeds, York, Hull, Middlesbrough and Newcastle to use Manchester Victoria and continue on to Liverpool as well as Manchester Airport. This will cut average journey times between Leeds and Manchester by 15 minutes and between Leeds and Liverpool by around 35 minutes.

“In addition, this scheme will allow a 50 per cent increase in trains between Leeds and Manchester via Huddersfield and release much needed platform capacity at Manchester Piccadilly. The scheme is expected to be complete by the end of 2016.”