Four key road improvement schemes in Staffordshire have made a list of projects described as being transformational for the Midlands.
A report by sub-regional transport body Midlands Connect details 17 schemes with the ability to transform regional and UK gateways, improve east-west connectivity and unlock the full economic potential of the region by delivering new homes and jobs.
The ‘Keeping the Midlands moving’ report describes them as “top projects we believe deserve investment across the region which will create a more resilient road network that can support both the Midlands’ and national economy.”
The M54 to M6 link road in South Staffordshire is one of four schemes originally earmarked for the Road Improvement Scheme (RIS) 2 for delivery between 2020 and 2025, but have been delayed.
Midlands Connect believes the projects remain of vital importance to the future of the regional and national transport schemes.
The A5 Hinckley to Tamworth, the central section of the A50 and junction 15 of the M6 in Stoke-on-Trent have been recommended for funding as part of the RIS 3 programme to be delivered from 2025 to 2030.
Mike Bull, Programme Director at Midlands Connect, said: “We never recommend a project for funding unless we believe the benefits outweigh the costs.
“The 17 road projects mentioned in the report have the ability to cut congestion, help create new jobs and homes, as well as improve safety across the region.
“They are real ‘no brainers’ for stimulating economic growth during this challenging time.
“We will continue to support National Highways and the relevant local authorities in making the case for these much-needed schemes to Government.”
The report states the M54 to M6 link road has been subject to significant delays due to design alterations and legal disputes, but would relieve traffic congestion on the A460, A449 and A5. Its estimated cost is £175 to £200 million.
Meanwhile the A5 between Hinckley to Tamworth, where average speeds at peak times drop by nearly a half in the morning rush hour according to Midlands Connect, is described as a “key artery” where interventions could help to fill a skills gap by providing access to larger labour pools.
The 14-mile stretch of the A50 between Blythe Bridge and Sudbury, in Derbyshire, has an economic output of around £20.3 billion with approximately 211,000 jobs located within 10km of the A50 Central Section.
The report reads: “Due to high congestion levels, the A50 does not always fulfil its role of connecting people, goods and businesses.
“Improvements to the A50 Corridor Central Section would provide an opportunity to deliver benefits for local communities along the route, as well as the longer-distance strategic uses of the corridor.”
Regarding junction 15 of the M6, the report adds: “The M6 at junction 15 suffers from regular congestion which restricts access to and from the M6 at this location. The mix of strategic and local traffic through The Potteries also causes significant air quality and noise issues, plus connectivity problems for local residents and businesses.”
- Daily Focus recently reported that three key A50 junctions are all over 100 per cent capacity every day. To read more transport stories, click here.
