Transport body Midlands Connect has detailed 17 road projects it believes the new government should build next to best benefit the Midlands region.
Four of the schemes detailed in the new report, ‘Keeping the Midlands Moving’, have been delayed from National Highways’ Road Investment Strategy 2 (RIS2), while the other 13 have been listed as priorities for the next Road Investement Strategy (RIS3), 2025-2030.
In January National Highways chief executive Nick Harris said he was confident that the body would be able to deliver the projects it responsible for under RIS3.
At a transport select committee in the same month, MPs raised concerns about National Highways record on completing road projects and asked whether it expects its performance to continue. This follows on from the National Audit Office reporting that National Highways has over spent and under delivered on its RIS portfolio to date, while the Transport Committee has previously published findings that say that National Highways’ approach to the RIS periods has caused “confusion and uncertainty” among the industry and supply chain.
Previous to this, last summer, the roads body announced it would look to make the most of its existing network and ageing infrastructure as a priority in the upcoming RIS3.
Amongst the RIS2 schemes Midlands Connect has recommended be constructed in National Highways’ next investment period is the £250M A38 Derby Junction upgrade.
Planning approval for the upgrade of the A38 in Derby to remove three bottlenecks on the network overcame legal challenges and a redetermination process with the Development Consent Order (DCO) for the scheme granted in August last year. Then in January, it was announced the scheme would face a new legal challenge putting it on hold indefinitely.
The proposed works for the scheme are to lower the A38 to pass underneath the modified Kingsway and Markeaton junctions, widen the A38 to three lanes in each direction between the Kingsway and Kedleston Road junctions and build two new bridges to carry A38 traffic over a modified roundabout at the Little Eaton junction.
Also suggested to be carried over from RIS2 is the A64 Newark Bypass.
The A64 Newark Bypass, costed between £400M and £500M, was dubbed “imperative” by Midlands Connect chairman Sir John Peace in November.
It proposes:
Widening the 6.5km of single carriageway between Farndon and Winthorpe roundabouts to a dual carriageway
Improved traffic signals at Farndon roundabout to achieve smoother traffic flows in peak hours
A new dual-carriageway bridge over the A1
Enlarged and partial signalling of Winthorpe roundabout to reduce congestion and improve journey reliability
A new grade separated junction at the Cattle Market roundabout
Skanska was appointed last summer to deliver the project.
The other RIS2 schemes Midlands Connect wants to be carried over include the proposed M54 to M6 link road and an upgrade to the A64 Coventry junctions.
New schemes that the body wants National Highways to prioritise for RIS3 and what stage they are at can be seen below:
A1/A52 junction improvement
National Highways is currently investigating the effect of closing central reservation gaps on the A1 and are carrying out engagement and seeking feedback from roads users on their views. National Highways is already in the process of making improvements to a series of junctions along the A52 in and around Nottingham, as part of RIS2 funding.
A46 improvement at Evesham
National Highways is developing the case for enhancements to the A46 around Evesham and have completed an assessment to fully understand the scale and nature of the problems in the area.
A46 between Stratford and Warwick
National Highways is developing the case for enhancements to the A46 between M40 J15 and M5 J9. An assessment of the area to understand the scale and nature of the problems it faces, has been undertaken, including the A46 around Stratford.
A46 improvement at Syston
National Highways is exploring potential design solutions to address the problems identified on the A46 at Syston.
A483 Pant Llanymynech Bypass
National Highways are conducting research in partnership with the Welsh government to understand the feasibility of providing an intervention in this area. If the study progresses to the next stage, a number of fixed route options will be developed and proposed to the public.
A5/A426 Gibbet Hill junction
National Highways is exploring potential design solutions to address the problems identified at Gibbet Hill junction. This work is part of developing the evidence base that will determine the schemes that are included within RIS3, which will be published in 2024.
A5 Hinckley to Tamworth
The A5 between Hinckley and Tamworth was identified as a RIS3 pipeline scheme, with improvements currently being investigated by National Highways, with public consultation to follow
A50 Central Section
National Highways is working on a study that will explore potential design solutions addressing the problems identified. This work is contributing to the evidence base used to decide the schemes in RIS3, which will be published in 2024.
Birmingham Motorway Box
Midlands Connect stated it is aware that new route strategies are in development and may include new or additional interventions on the Motorway Box.
M1 junction 24
Midlands Connect stated it is currently working with National Highways and local councils and MPs to provide to evidence for this scheme.
M1 junction 28
This location is in National Highways proposed pipeline of schemes, exploring potential design solutions which address the problems identified on the junction.
M1 improvements at Leicester
Potential enhancements on the M1 west of Leicester (referred to as Leicester Western Access in National Highway’s RIS2 strategy) were identified as a pipeline scheme to be considered in the RIS3 period, however no precise scheme was identified. National Highways is continuing to consider a potential intervention in this area.
M6 junction 15
This location is in National Highways proposed pipeline of schemes, exploring potential design solutions which address the problems identified on the junction.
Midlands Connect programme director Mike Bull 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.”
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