DoT green lights transport schemes
THE DEPARTMENT OF Transport has announced which major infrastructure projects in the West Midlands are likely to progress during the Government’s spending review.
A further 16 road and public transport schemes will progress – these are in addition to the eight schemes announced by the Chancellor last week during his spending review speech.
In the West Midlands, the widening of the M6 between Castle Bromwich (Junction 5) and the M5/M6 link (Junction 8) has been given the green light.
The scheme will provide additional capacity through hard shoulder running throughout the 9.7 mile section of motorway, which can be one of the most congested routes in the country at peak times.
The DoT is also setting aside a pot of more than £600m to help fund local authority projects within the regions. Councils will have to submit bids, with funding released on a priority basis. Value for money will also be a critical factor.
In a second batch of supported projects, Mr Hammond confirmed the extension of the Midland Metro in Birmingham. Funding for the project will be announced in January.
The DoT will also undertake further analysis of other schemes in the region. These include: the Darlaston Strategic Development Area Access Project (Walsall); Worcester Integrated Transport Strategy; Coventry-Nuneaton Rail Upgrade; Stafford Western Access Improvements; Evesham Bridge Maintenance (Worcestershire); A45 Westbound Bridge Maintenance (Solihull); and A38(M) Tame Viaduct Maintenance (Birmingham).
Full appraisal will be carried out during the next few months and the DoT will announce in January which of them will enter into full development. However, it warned that spending restrictions were such that work was unlikely to begin until at least 2012/13.
There was disappointing news for motorists hoping the widening of the M6 between Junctions 10a (M54) and 13(Stafford South) would be approved. The DoT said that given “current assumptions” it was unlikely this would progress until at least 2015.
Also in Staffordshire, Mr Hammond said a review would be carried out into the scheme for a new road linking the M54 with the M6 Toll.
Transport Secretary Phil Hammond said: “Whilst we have had to make some tough choices, I am pleased that spending on transport was treated as a priority for the Government in the Spending Review.
“This Government sees transport as a key driver of growth nationally and in the regions. So I am delighted to be able to give the green light to 24 new transport projects and a fund worth over £600m for many more schemes to bid for.
“Taken together, this investment will not only bring benefits in terms of reduced congestion, shorter journey times and more efficient public transport, but also provide a vital economic boost.”
