Thousands of businesses, commuters and residents are expected to reap the benefits after plans for two major transport schemes in the region have been given the green light.
It has been announced today that the Midlands Rail Hub and the M54-M6 link road in South Staffordshire have each secured an allocation from an investment of over £92 billion from the Spending Review settlement.
The Government has given its backing to over fifty road and rail upgrades across the country, described as the biggest boost to England’s transport infrastructure in a generation.
While the amount of capital investment for the Staffordshire projects has not been disclosed, it is regarded as a ‘breakthrough moment’ and ‘huge step forward’ in delivering the ambitions of the rail hub.
Midlands Rail Hub is a £1.75 billion blueprint for faster, better and more frequent connections across the Midlands, which is expected to benefit seven million people, serve up to 50 stations and destinations and create nearly 13,000 construction jobs.
Two new ‘chords’ and more than 10 engineering interventions throughout the region will allow more than 20 million extra seats for passengers and up to 300 extra trains every day.
As reported by Daily Focus, this could mean train services between Lichfield and Birmingham are doubled and Tamworth is also likely to benefit.
Maria Machancoses, Chief Executive of sub-regional transport body Midlands Connect, a co-sponsor of the project, said: “This is a breakthrough moment for our region, one which will led to a fundamental shift in opportunities and investment, and we will see growth in jobs, housing and in our economy as a direct result.
“We are beyond thrilled to welcome this Government commitment, and it is a testament to the determination of our mayors, leaders, MPs and partners across the region who have championed this scheme.
“Midlands Rail Hub is a once in a generation chance to change our collective future for the better.”
The project will progress to Full Business Case completion in 2028, with parts of the scheme entering into service in the early 2030s.
Meanwhile, Midlands Connect has also been campaigning for a link road between the M54 and M6 north to take cars off roads in Featherstone, Hilton and Shareshill.
Currently no direct motorway link from the M54 to the M6 north means road users wanting to access the M6 north or M6 Toll must use local roads such as the A460.
Daily Focus has previously reported that businesses overwhelmingly supported the link road plan and that the road could take 19,000 vehicles off local roads.
Commenting on the announcement of funding for the M54-M6 Link Road, Maria said: “This link road is critical to alleviate congestion, improve connectivity, and unlock economic growth for Telford, Shrewsbury, Wolverhampton, Cannon, Tamworth and the wider region.
“We will see smoother traffic flow as a result, easing the pressure on villages currently blighted by tailbacks.
“The funding announcement is a great result for businesses and residents of this area and we look forward to working with partners to make it a reality.”
Sir Gavin Williamson, MP for Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge, added: “This will have a transformative impact for residents of Featherstone, Shareshill and surrounding villages, whose lives have been blighted by congestion.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Transport is the backbone of our economy, which is why we are giving them the record funding boost they need, putting taxpayers’ money where it matters most and making everyday journeys easier.
“With over £92 billion investment, including the biggest ever boost for city regions in the North and Midlands, we’re delivering the schemes that fast-track economic growth and jobs, connect communities, and will help us build 1.5 million new homes, as we deliver our Plan for Change.”
