The mayors of Greater Manchester and the West Midlands have called on the government to back the Midlands-North West Rail Link (MNWRL) to replace the cancelled HS2 Phase 2b.
According to a new report, the MNWRL would provide 85% of HS2’s benefits at a lower cost, linking Birmingham and Manchester while easing congestion on the West Coast Main Line.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said, “Doing nothing is not an option,” urging for quick action to address the UK’s rail capacity and connectivity challenges.
West Midlands mayor Richard Parker emphasized the importance of boosting economic opportunities through better rail links, and MNWRL chair David Higgins underscored the need for private sector involvement to deliver the project efficiently.
The review warns that without a new link, the M6 and West Coast Main Line could collapse under pressure within a decade.
The plan suggests delivering the MNWRL in two phases—connecting Fradley with Northern Powerhouse Rail—and cutting costs through more efficient construction methods. Government response is awaited, with the Department for Transport reviewing its position on rail infrastructure.
The call for MNWRL highlights the growing demand for a solution to support growth across the Midlands and the North, positioning the project as a vital investment for the future.
A section from the review reads: “The MNWRL consists of two segments – a Staffordshire Connector that runs south of Crewe, and a Cheshire Connector north of Crewe.
“This new line would connect with the end of the current HS2 network at Fradley and provide a direct connection into the proposed Northern Powerhouse Rail at High Legh, thereby connecting directly into Liverpool, Manchester and beyond.
“These two segments should be delivered in a staged manner, allowing for progressive release of benefits, and should make full use of more efficient delivery mechanisms through repetition of design and modern methods of construction.”
