POLITICAL and business leaders from across the North of England today backed plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail.

Transport for the North's board agreed to move forward and submit proposals to invest up to £39 billion in a modern rail network for the North and, with one voice, will call on Government to fully commit to the project.

It paves the way for a Strategic Outline Business Case to be submitted to Government.

TfN said it will outline how the investment could increase the capacity, speed and resilience of the North’s rail network, enabling passengers to experience faster and more reliable journeys.

Work could start as early as 2024.

The document will remain confidential whilst considered by Government.

It outlines several concepts that will form the basis of further detailed development over the next 18 months, funded by an additional £37 million allocated in last Autumn’s Budget.

It features a number of concepts aimed at fully integrating with HS2, including a new line linking Leeds and Manchester via Bradford, including the option for a Bradford city centre station

The decision came on the day that members also approved the Strategic Transport Plan, a blueprint for investment in the North – which will be formally launched at an inaugural conference in Sheffield next Monday.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leader of Bradford Council, said: “Northern Powerhouse Rail, delivering a new line between Manchester and Leeds with a city centre station in Bradford, is an essential element of the comprehensive investment in transport infrastructure we need across the North.

“The North of England is collectively setting out a powerful positive case to the Government to support this project to deliver for our communities and the UK as a whole.”