Mott MacDonald has supported Merseytravel – the strategic transport advisor to the Liverpool City Region’s Combined Authority - in the development of a new visionary 30-year rail strategy. Working closely with Merseytravel and Network Rail, the consultancy researched, developed and authored the final strategy document. The report seeks to maximise the role that the local rail network can make in securing the economic prosperity of the region, which includes the City of Liverpool and the districts of Wirral, Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens and Halton.
The strategy sets out proposals for 12 rail packages, including improvements to national passenger and freight connections, increasing capacity in Liverpool city centre and improving connections to areas such as Chester, North Wales and Warrington. There is a focus on enhancements to the mobility of the region’s population and the sustainability of its transport network. The strategy also envisions a future network suitable for the arrival of HS2 services in 2026, providing enhanced accessibility to and from local services throughout the region.
Mott MacDonald undertook demand forecasting and produced a list of options catering for anticipated passenger growth. To achieve this, research evidence was reviewed with stakeholders including Network Rail and train operators.
Richard Brown, Mott MacDonald’s project director, said: “Several stakeholders were involved in this project and we worked hard to ensure that the bold long term vision under consideration had the appropriate support of all key parties. The strategy aims to meet the needs of millions of residents, workers and visitors of the Liverpool City Region and its surrounding districts. Through our ongoing work from our expanding Liverpool office we are delighted to continue to support the city’s aspiration for an enhanced sustainable transport network that proactively contributes to local economic growth.”