Funding Decisions Loom for 160+ West Midlands Transport Schemes

The outlook for more than 160 transport projects across the West Midlands is set to become clearer in the months ahead as funding decisions near. Up to 168 schemes are currently under review by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) as it considers how best to distribute £2.4bn of transport investment.

According to the authority’s interim chief executive, Ed Cox, each proposal is being assessed against a range of criteria, including economic impact, before what he described as “transparent decisions” are made.

Several high-profile schemes have already been presented to the WMCA board. These include a Metro extension serving the proposed £3bn Sports Quarter and Birmingham City FC’s new stadium, as well as upgrades to Witton and Aston railway stations to support Aston Villa.

Cox explained that projects will be grouped according to their stage of development, with funding allocated accordingly. He stressed that large sums are unlikely to be committed to schemes that remain at an early or conceptual stage.

A paper outlining the assessment and allocation process is due to be presented to the WMCA board in February, with Cox expressing confidence that a clearer pathway for every project will be in place by the autumn.