Contingency plans agreed to minimise impact of HS2 construction

Contingency plans to enable the West Midlands to cope with major infrastructure developments such as HS2 have been approved by the region’s combined authority.

Congestion caused by a series of major road, rail and infrastructure projects could gridlock the region unless contingencies are in place.
 
The combined authority’s transport arm, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), has worked jointly with the Police & Crime Commissioner and business leaders in drawing up the regional resilience strategy.

It was presented to the WMCA board by Cllr Roger Lawrence, lead member for transport, who said a co-ordinated, strategic approach was the only way to prepare for the construction impact of projects like HS2 and motorway improvement works.
 
“All partners have worked very hard to gather evidence and come up with actual solutions to this issue, which is a continuing challenge for our region’s movement and economic activity,” said Cllr Lawrence.
 
“Projects are planned by Highways England, Network Rail and a number of local authorities, all of which are likely to cause short term and long term disruption for commuters and businesses.
 
“We know we still have a great deal of work to do but we are now at a point where we agree what our priorities are and how to meet them together.”
 
Police & Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said: “I welcome this work to reduce congestion and ensure our roads keep flowing.
 
“It is crucial for the region’s economy and ultimately for jobs and growth that people and goods can get to where they need to be quickly and efficiently.
 
“HS2 is going to bring great benefits to the region, but it is also important that its construction does not bring us to a standstill. These plans will help to make sure we have the necessary resilience in the network to guard against that.”
 
Paul Faulkner, Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce chief executive, said: “As a chamber we have enjoyed working closely with TfWM managing director Laura Shoaf and her senior management team to inform the business community on the key role TfWM is playing in improving regional transport networks and creating economic growth.

“We have seen significant improvements to transport infrastructure across the West Midlands with further investment planned in the next decade.
 
“Our region is poised to maximise the benefits that will arise from this additional funding as it will give businesses the chance to access new markets and realise their rich potential.”

Projects included in the contingency plans are: maintenance works on the M5 Oldbury Viaduct (set to begin in April), HS2 Phase 1, Network Rail’s upgrades around Birmingham, WMCA’s own investment in HS2 Connectivity, Midland Metro and local transport, essential maintenance and utilities works and major development in Birmingham city centre and other locations such as Cannock.

The plans identify immediate priorities including forming a multi-agency Network Resilience Partnership and Governance Structure, led by TfWM, and a West Midlands Regional Integrated Command Centre.
 
 

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