Ministers should pump cash into a series of northern transport projects to demonstrate their commitment to the region, a report demands today.

A blueprint by the Institute for Public Policy Research North suggests building a bridge across the River Tees, creating a new railway station at Leeds Bradford Airport and reopening a key railway line.

IPPR North senior research fellow Luke Raikes said: “Often the focus on Northern transport is about the big-ticket projects which will transform our economy in the longer term – and the Government must commit to these, as well as completing long-awaited programmes like the Northern Hub.

The study calls for the reopening of a passenger railway line

“But today we are highlighting the value of smaller-scale projects and the transformative effect they can have much sooner.

“These relatively inexpensive projects could be quick to deliver and could make a real difference for the people of the North.”

Researchers said that while major projects like Northern Powerhouse Rail are essential, they will take decades to deliver.

The think tank identified “quick win” projects which, it said, could deliver big benefits and begin as early as 2020.

Teesside
Researchers called for another bridge over the River Tees

Philip Hammond has been urged to dig deep in the Spending Review

It calls for the reopening of the Ashington Blyth and Tyne railway for passenger services, which could boost the economy by £70million a year, supporting the development of hydrogen trains which could regenerate Tees Valley and Merseyside, and using new traffic management technology to improve air quality.

The IPPR wants this summer’s Spending Review to hand Transport for the North a £400million “project development fund”.

Mr Raikes added: “The North can bring these plans forward but needs the resources and commitment from government to do so.

“That’s why we need the Chancellor to commit new development funding to the



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