Reduced congestion and improved reliability on A46 a key priority for ‘Levelling Up’ the region
Enhancements to improve reliability and reduce congestion on the A46 have been listed as one of the key priorities for Levelling Up in the region.
Transport for the East Midlands and Midlands Connect, have highlighted eight shared priorities in a new joint vision for the cities and counties of the East Midlands.
It is hoped that delivering these priorities will boost growth and investment, contribute to the Government’s Net Zero and Levelling Up agendas, and help address the historic underfunding of transport in the East Midlands.
The eight priorities are:
- Enhancements to the A46 growth corridor
- Improved rail connectivity between Nottingham, Leicester and Coventry.
- Electrification of the Midlands Main Line
- Reducing congestion and improving safety on the A5 growth corridor
- Improving safety and reliability on the A1
- The delivery of HS2 to the East Midlands and Leeds
- Supporting growth and improving reliability throughout the A50/A500 corridor
- Improving connectivity across East Midlands Development Copmany (EM DevCo) and East Midlands Freeport areas
Sir Peter Soulsby, Chair of Transport for the East Midlands and City Mayor for Leicester, said: “The East Midlands has a strong track record in delivering high levels of housing and employment growth in the national interest over many years.
“But with better connectivity, we could do so much more.
“The eight strategic priorities Transport for the East Midlands and Midlands Connect have jointly identified will unlock growth across the region and allow our towns and cities to thrive – contributing to the Government’s Levelling Up agenda.”
Sir John Peace, Chairman of Midlands Connect, said: “At Midlands Connect, we are committed to working closely with Transport for the East Midlands to help deliver growth opportunities and better connections.
“Investment in this region’s transport will have a remarkable benefit to the whole country and create a positive ripple effect to boost the development of industry, skills and infrastructure.
“Taking forward these joint priorities will help lay the groundwork for improved connectivity across the Midlands, unlocking the potential of major economic hubs such as EM DevCo and the two Freeports - opening the region’s businesses to the world.”