The new line, to be called Northern Powerhouse Rail, jettisoning
   previous suggestions it should be called HS3 or Crossrail for the
   North, does not stretch as far as Newcastle or Hull. Services to those
   cities would be on old, albeit upgraded, lines, if TfN’s proposals
   become a reality at some point beyond 2030. The line should connect
   with HS2 from Sheffield in the east and Crewe in the west.
   Proposed route

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   transport body. It has the mandate to make recommendations on behalf of
   the north to the Department for Transport, Network Rail, Highways
   England and HS2 Ltd.

When will HS2 be built?

   Work on phase one, London to Birmingham, should start in summer 2017,
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   northern route, with twin branches to Manchester and Leeds, is still to
   be drawn up. First trains are expected to run in 2026, with some
   services continuing from HS2 to existing railway tracks, allowing fast
   direct trains between London and stations across the north. The full
   network is expected to be completed in 2033.