Transport for the North (TfN) on Wednesday set out its initial plans for a Northern Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), a 30-year investment plan of infrastructure projects to underpin “greener Northern growth.”

Transport for the North said its £5 billion pipeline includes rail, road, “active travel” and smart ticketing proposals “some of which could be started over the next 6-18 months to help the economy ‘build back better’ after the COVID-19 pandemic” and help create around 20,000 construction and design jobs in the North of England.

“The NIP underpins TfN’s proposed Economic Recovery Plan (ERP) recently agreed by the North’s business and civic leaders,” said Transport for the North.

“Today is the announcement of the first tranche of 166 projects that could help create new job opportunities in the North immediately.”

Transport for the North CEO Barry White said: “We believe that’ll not only deliver an economic prize, to the tune of 20,000 jobs and a return of £3 for every £1 spent but – more importantly – a social return.

“It’ll help better connect communities, slash carbon emissions from transport in the North and support people in living healthier lives. 

“Crucially, these aren’t new or over-ambitious asks.

“They’re projects already in the system that now need the starting gun firing or a bit of work to nudge them across the line.

“We have welcomed the Government’s ambition to accelerate projects and this is a great opportunity for its recently formed Northern Transport Acceleration Council to drive forward the delivery of projects.

“This sets up a great combination – Transport for the North using its local knowledge to identify projects and Government using its political heft to push forward delivery.

“The Economic Recovery Plan, and the Northern Infrastructure Pipeline within it, is aimed at how we rebuild and transform the North. 

“It shows Northern leaders coming together at a time of national crisis and putting a united, pragmatic plan to our partners in Government, outlining some of the priority projects and when they could be delivered with the right will and collaboration.”