Wednesday, May 14, 2025
In an ambitious proposal for the UK’s transportation future, the Liverpool-Manchester Railway Partnership Board has urged the government to prioritize the construction of a new rail line connecting Liverpool and Manchester, with construction expected to begin in the early 2030s. Led by former Rail Minister Huw Merriman, the partnership has called for this project to be included in the government’s 10-year Infrastructure Strategy, citing the substantial economic benefits that the new line could bring to the region. This rail project is envisioned to be a major driver of both regional and national economic growth, promising a £15 billion boost to the economy and creating 22,000 jobs during its construction.
The project, which has already received backing from key regional leaders such as North West Mayors Steve Rotheram and Andy Burnham, as well as business and civic leaders, aims to provide a significant upgrade to the existing rail infrastructure between these two major cities. With plans for new stations, improved freight capabilities, and faster travel times, the proposed rail line promises to become an integral part of the UK’s transportation system. This proposal comes at a time when the UK is reassessing its infrastructure priorities, with the government’s commitment to long-term economic recovery post-pandemic and the ongoing efforts to stimulate growth in the North West of England.
A Phased Approach: Key Components of the New Railway Line
The proposed Liverpool-Manchester Railway (LMR) would run from Liverpool Lime Street to new underground through-platforms at Manchester Piccadilly, with several intermediate stops, including the new Liverpool Gateway station, Warrington Bank Quay, and Manchester Airport. These new stations are strategically placed to accommodate growing demand from commuters, tourists, and businesses, offering better access to key areas of both cities and their surrounding regions.
Currently, Liverpool and Manchester are linked by two existing rail routes, including the northern Chat Moss line into Manchester Victoria and the former Cheshire Lines Committee line running via Warrington Central. However, these routes have been described as struggling to accommodate the growing demand for both passenger and freight services, resulting in overcrowded trains, delays, and unreliable services. The new rail line would address these concerns by introducing faster, more efficient services, while also reducing pressure on existing infrastructure.
The project is proposed to be delivered in phases, with the first section of the route running from Millington to Manchester Piccadilly. The second phase would extend westwards towards Warrington Bank Quay, where new low-level platforms would connect with the West Coast Main Line. The final phase would extend further west, with potential alignment through the decommissioned Fiddlers Ferry Power Station and Widnes, although the exact route for this part of the line has not yet been confirmed.
Economic Potential: Transforming the Region’s Economy
One of the primary drivers behind this proposal is the potential for economic transformation in the North West of England. With an estimated £90 billion in economic growth and the creation of 500,000 new homes, the new rail line is seen as a critical element of a broader vision for the region’s future. By improving connectivity between Liverpool, Manchester, and surrounding areas, the new line would unlock a wealth of economic opportunities, particularly in sectors such as housing, technology, and business.
Mayors Steve Rotheram and Andy Burnham have both emphasized the importance of regional planning and local knowledge in the development of this rail line. Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, stressed that the plan would create substantial long-term economic growth, with the potential to connect key high-growth sectors and better integrate the region’s infrastructure. This approach, they argue, represents a shift from traditional top-down infrastructure development to a more localized, collaborative model that prioritizes regional needs and opportunities.
For the UK’s broader economy, the new rail line could provide a much-needed boost in several areas, particularly in transportation and logistics. With faster and more efficient rail services, businesses in both cities would be better connected to their supply chains, increasing productivity and reducing costs. The improved rail links could also attract new businesses and investment to the region, further solidifying the North West as a hub for innovation and economic activity.
Impact on Travel: A Game-Changer for Commuters and Tourists
For travelers, the Liverpool-Manchester Railway is expected to have a profound impact on the ease and speed of journeys between these two major cities. Currently, the average train journey between Liverpool and Manchester takes around 53 minutes, but only two trains per hour are able to make the journey faster. With the proposed new line, the journey time would be significantly reduced, allowing passengers to travel between the cities in less time, improving convenience for both commuters and tourists.
Additionally, the new route would make travel more reliable, addressing the current issues of cancellations and delays that plague the existing services. According to the report, 10% of Manchester Victoria trains were cancelled in 2023, making it one of the highest rates in the UK. By reducing the strain on the existing network, the new line would help improve the overall passenger experience, making travel between Liverpool, Manchester, and other parts of the North West more efficient and predictable.
The addition of new stations, such as the Liverpool Gateway station near Liverpool John Lennon Airport, would provide greater accessibility for both business and leisure travelers. This station would also serve nearby businesses like Ford, AstraZeneca, and Jaguar Land Rover, further boosting the region’s economic profile. For tourists, the new line would make it easier to explore both cities, whether they are attending events, visiting attractions, or simply traveling for leisure.
Moreover, the integration of Manchester Airport into the new line would improve access for international travelers arriving by air. Manchester Airport is one of the busiest airports in the UK, serving as a major hub for international and domestic flights. With better rail connections, passengers could travel more easily between the airport and the city centers, reducing reliance on road transport and easing congestion.
Addressing Freight: A Boost for Logistics and the Supply Chain
In addition to the improvements for passenger services, the new rail line is expected to have a significant impact on freight transport across the region. According to the report, the Liverpool-Manchester Railway could free up at least four daily cross-Pennine freight train paths in each direction, potentially removing up to 321,000 HGV (heavy goods vehicle) journeys from the road. This reduction in road traffic would not only benefit the environment by cutting carbon emissions but also improve road safety and reduce congestion on the UK’s busy motorways.
The improved freight capacity could also help support the Port of Liverpool, which has long struggled with transport inefficiencies, particularly in terms of rail access. Currently, freight trains from the Port of Liverpool take up to 8.5 hours to travel the 99 miles to Yorkshire, a journey that averages just over 11mph. With the new rail line, the efficiency of freight transport would be greatly improved, helping to streamline the movement of goods across the country and improve the overall competitiveness of UK businesses.
The relocation of Freightliner’s Trafford Park terminal could also contribute to the regeneration of the Old Trafford area, with the new rail line offering better connectivity and facilitating the development of new intermodal facilities at locations like Port Salford. These improvements would support not only the freight industry but also the wider logistics and distribution sectors, making it easier to move goods and services across the region.
Phased Delivery and Long-Term Benefits
The phased delivery approach for the Liverpool-Manchester Railway project is designed to spread capital costs over time and unlock benefits gradually as each section of the route is completed. By breaking the project into manageable phases, the board aims to provide long-term certainty to supply chains and contractors, ensuring that the project remains on schedule and within budget. This phased approach is also intended to reduce the financial burden on both the government and local authorities, allowing for smoother implementation and less disruption to existing infrastructure.
The proposed phased delivery includes the construction of the initial section from Millington to Manchester Piccadilly, followed by the expansion towards Warrington Bank Quay and beyond. This approach will help to ensure that the benefits of the new line are realized on a rolling basis, with each phase of the project providing tangible improvements to the region’s transportation infrastructure.
Conclusion: A Transformative Project for the North West and Beyond
The proposed Liverpool-Manchester Railway is an ambitious and transformative project that has the potential to reshape the economic landscape of the North West of England. By providing faster, more reliable rail services between Liverpool and Manchester, the new line will improve connectivity, boost economic growth, and enhance the overall travel experience for both commuters and tourists. For businesses and freight operators, the improvements to transport efficiency and capacity will be invaluable, reducing costs and boosting competitiveness across the region.
The government’s commitment to this project, particularly in terms of its inclusion in the 10-year Infrastructure Strategy, will be crucial in ensuring that the Liverpool-Manchester Railway becomes a reality. By supporting this project and investing in the UK’s transportation future, the government can help unlock the full potential of the North West and provide a model for infrastructure development that benefits both local communities and the broader economy.
