Planned transport improvements given the go-ahead

Date: 4/2/2011

Following the identification of savings, nine local transport schemes have been given the go-ahead, it has been announced.

According to the Department of Transport, it is believed the plans will result in £45.5 million savings, while a further 23 proposals will now be able to begin bidding for funding - with a £630 million pot available in total.

Following the announcement, Leeds Station will now begin work improving its pedestrian access, the Midland Metro tram line through Birmingham City Centre will be extended and an integrated package of sustainable transport improvements will be introduced in Ipswich.

In addition, a new road in Taunton will be constructed to provide more cross-town capacity, improvements will be made to the M5 J29, east of Exeter, in order to provide access to new businesses and housing and a bypass will be built to the north of Lancaster in order to connect Heysham to the M6.

Transport Minister Philip Hammond said: "The government is committed to delivering transport projects which improve journeys while also helping economic growth."

The Department of Transport earlier announced that councils are to be allowed to make decisions regarding the classification of roads in their area.

Posted by Nick Anderson