THE Government has published a £13bn 'blueprint' it hopes will transform transport across the Northern region.

The document brings together previously announced projects, including the £5.7bn Intercity Express programme for new trains on the East Coast Main Line and £22m on upgrading Newcastle Central Station.

On the roads, it outlines improvements to the A1 in Northumberland and Tyneside and the A19 in County Durham.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “This one nation government is determined to close the economic gap between North and South.

“Investing in transport – something that successive governments have failed to do sufficiently – is vital to making that happen.

“Across the North, that investment is already having a huge impact, with programmes underway to upgrade our railways and our roads. We are determined to keep the momentum going.”

The Government has also asked Michelle Mone OBE, an entrepreneur and former model, to lead a review aimed at increasing the number of new business start-ups in poor areas, including the North.

Roads minister Andrew Jones will visit the North-East today (Tuesday, August 11) to see progress on improving the A1 through Gateshead and Northumberland.