Three major Staffordshire schemes have been included in a government announcement of a £27 billion boost for England’s roads – but mixed views have been expressed locally.
The Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3) will fund major schemes that unlock growth and improve connectivity across the country over the next five years.
A new dual carriageway link road between Junction 1 of the M54 and Junction 11 of the M6 in South Staffordshire is among 31 projects announced for RIS3.
Campaigners have been pushing the agenda for the scheme, which Daily Focus has previously reported could take 19,000 vehicles off local roads.
It is one of several transport upgrade priorities identified for the county.
But improvements to four junctions along the A50 corridor and a scheme to reduce congestion and increase capacity at Junction 15 of the M6 have not been taken forward and have been placed in the RIS4 spending programme, expected between 2031 and 2036.
An assessment by Midlands Connect has previously revealed Staffordshire could gain more than 2,000 jobs and £116 million for the local economy if the A50 upgrades are delivered.
This wait has led to disappointment from local organisations.
Declan Riddell, pictured above, policy adviser at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “As a Chamber, we’re disappointed to see that the A50 Corridor and M6 Junction 15 schemes are to be developed during the third road period, with construction anticipated to start early in the fourth road period.
“It effectively means that we’re not likely to see any spades in the ground until into the next decade. This is a Corridor of strategic importance at both a regional and national level and we will continue to press for progress.
“Further to the south of our region, we will welcome plans to press ahead with a dual carriageway link between the M54 Junction 1 and M6 Junction 11, which will help to ease congestion on the A460 and A449, as well as reducing heavy vehicle traffic further afield across Staffordshire, in areas such as Eccleshall and Woodseaves.”
JCB’s World Headquarters and several of the major employer’s factories sit near the A50.
Group Communications Director John Kavanagh said: “We were hoping that the A50 would feature in RIS3. We’re pleased that it did but disappointed that it was positioned in the RIS4 pipeline, from 2031 onwards.
“This means it will be several years before residents and businesses see any improvement. But it is encouraging that the A50 is now being seen as a vital link between the M6 and the M1. The improvements can’t come soon enough.”
Martin Murray, pictured above, leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: “With growth corridors a key priority in the county council’s recently approved economic strategy, we welcome the government’s commitment to investment in RIS3 to the M54/M6 link.
“This further strengthens our connectivity and supports our ambitious plans with partners in the south of the county, particularly the Central Edge project which we’re showcasing at UKREiiF in May.
“And whilst it is encouraging to see the A50 corridor and M6 J15 improvements listed for RIS4, we are continuing to lobby the government now on its assurances that they remain transport priorities going forward. This corridor is home to major manufacturers that are critical not only to our county’s economy, but the nation’s as a whole.”
Burton and Uttoxeter MP Jacob Collier has celebrated the A50 upgrades being given the green light and says he will be holding a public consultation in the coming months.
He wrote on social media: “I can’t tell you how relieved I am that we are finally seeing a Government commit to the upgrades that our area has deserved for so long.”
Sir Gavin Williamson, MP for Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge has welcomed the M54/M6 link road being included in RIS3.
He told Daily Focus: “The current situation had to change. Traffic and long-haul vehicles are converging on local A roads, such as the A460 and A449, clogging up the routes for local people but also hindering the growth of local businesses. I know how welcome this announcement will be.”
