West Midlands Regional Transport Priorities Action Plan. Progress Report

Transcription

1 West Midlands Regional Transport Priorities Action Plan Progress Report

2 Contents page 1. Minister s Foreword 4 2. Background 5 3. Introduction 6 4. Progress with the Priorities 9 5. Action Plan Progress Tables to Action Plan Progress Tables post Short Term Achievements Overarching Short Term Actions 22

3 Birmingham International Airport - Runway Extension and Surface Access Supports international connectivity, economic growth and competitiveness by linking the region with new and emerging markets. Birmingham New Street Station Supports regeneration and development with a world class gateway for the region. Black Country Strategic Transport Spine Supports economic regeneration and employment opportunities with improved connectivity to the wider regional and national networks. West Midlands Regional Transport Priorities M5/M6 Capacity Improvements and Motorway Box Active Traffic Management Supports economic growth and improves inter-regional connectivity. New Growth Points and Settlements of Significant Development (NGPs/SSD) Supports sustainable housing growth and regeneration. North Staffordshire Integrated Transport Package Supporting regeneration with improved access to services and labour markets. Rail Freight Upgrades Supports regional competitiveness and productivity with improved connectivity and access to wider global market opportunities. Regional Rail Capacity Supports regeneration programmes, extends the labour catchment area and increases accessibility. Smarter Choices Supporting sustainable housing growth and regeneration. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey mapping with permission of the Controller of Her Majesty s Stationary Office Crown Copyright. AWM Licence number

4 1 Minister s Foreword 1 Getting our transport right in the West Midlands is a priority to help boost the region s businesses and economy, especially in these tough economic times. Getting our transport right in the West Midlands will help deliver on three very important regional and Government goals supporting businesses and boosting our economy, improving our environment and making the network safer. A reliable and efficient transport network can help boost our economic competitiveness and growth; can help tackle climate change and deliver a low carbon economy; and can help make our roads, railways and other transport networks safer and more secure. The shadow Joint Strategy and Investment Board will be working closely with regional partners - local transport authorities, Centro, the Highways Agency and Network Rail - to monitor progress on delivery. It is important that the region as a whole gets behind these important projects and I welcome this proactive approach. There has already been significant progress since the Action Plan was published; it has set the foundations for the Regional Funding Advice (March 2009) and helped to support the case for investment in a number of projects: - Birmingham New Street Station work commenced on site in September 2009; - M6 capacity improvements Junction 4-5 Hard Shoulder Running opened one month early in December 2009; - Rail Freight Upgrades - construction started on Southampton to West Midlands/WCML in January 2009 and work on the Peterborough to Nuneaton section in summer Black Country Strategic Transport Spine Wolverhampton Bus Station construction will start on site early 2010 (funded via the RFA Regional Infrastructure Fund); - Regional Rail Capacity a number of station improvements are approved and underway The Action Plan has also provided the basis for longer term transport planning and enabled the region to work with Government to identify longer term priorities for investment post 2014 through the DaSTS (Delivering a Sustainable Transport System) process. I look forward to continuing to work with regional partners and stakeholders over forthcoming months to make sure that any hurdles in development and delivery of the Priorities are overcome, so that the momentum of the past 12 months is maintained. Ian Austin, MP Regional Minister December

5 2 Background The Regional Transport Priorities Action Plan (RTPAP) was developed to introduce a regionally endorsed, collaborative approach to driving forward the delivery of the region s nine transport priorities in a timely and transparent way. Launched in December 2008 it identified the short term actions required to progress the region s transport priorities. A complementary suite of priority documents were published in May 2009; these set out a more detailed picture of each of the priorities, their alignment with regional goals and strategies along with an update on the short term priorities. This report sets out the progress made in promoting; securing planning approval and funding; and delivering projects on the ground. It also identifies where progress has not been in line with expectations, highlighting the projects requiring focussed support to keep development and delivery on track. This report focuses on those priorities that can be delivered before 2014, which aligns with the short to medium term proposals in the Transport Regional Funding Allocation and the current funding period for Network Rail. It also sets out actions for those transport priorities for which substantive development work is underway but are not scheduled for completion until after

6 3 Introduction Much has happened in the months since December 2008, when the Regional Transport Priorities Action Plan was published. The implications of the recent economic downturn are being felt across the region; further assessment has been made of the amount of new housing development required in the region and the need to secure low carbon economic growth has been embedded into regional strategies and delivery programmes. 3 West Midlands Economy The prosperity of the West Midlands is important for everyone living and working in the region. The current situation is challenging; the region s economy has steadily declined in relation to other English regions over the last 30 years and the recent downturn has had a major impact. Unemployment levels have increased and are currently the highest of any region; alongside this economic output per head of population in the West Midlands is below that of the national average. The economic output gap is now 16 billion compared with 10 billion in It is therefore vital that the region finds ways to improve efficiency and increase productivity to help fulfil its true potential. In order to address the economic challenges faced by the region we need to: raise the level of entrepreneurial activity; encourage much greater levels of innovation in companies; improve the skills base of our workforce; reduce the level of worklessness in the working age population; and ensure that both wealth generation and distribution are more even across the region. Initiatives underway to: Increase investment in high-tech manufacturing; work with our universities and businesses to develop and exploit the new green industries (including leading low carbon vehicle technologies); improve and develop new skills; and put us at the forefront of the digital media revolution, will all contribute to addressing the economic challenges and encourage new industries. Creating Sustainable Communities In order to support urban and rural renaissance and maximise the development of sustainable communities, the Draft Regional Spatial Strategy states that over 365,000 new homes and 3,000 hectares of general employment land will need to be provided in the period to The majority of these new homes and employment land will be located in the major urban areas and a network of large and small towns, known as Settlements of Significant Developments, across the West Midlands. Moving towards a Low Carbon Future A number of new initiatives have been introduced to support the vision for a Low Carbon Future; the Low Carbon West Midlands Task and Finish Group, chaired by Professor Julia King has been set up to identify immediate opportunities, in the area of low carbon, which can be implemented quickly and which have the potential to make a significant contribution to the regional economy. In addition, the region has been named as a Low Carbon Economic Area (LCEA) for Advance Automotive Engineering which supports the delivery through public and private sector partnership of a programme of projects developing low carbon solutions for key technologies such as, motors and aerodynamics. 6

7 The role of the transport priorities The transport priorities identified in the Action Plan for delivery over the coming years have an important role to play in enabling business opportunities, supporting the development of new homes and encouraging and supporting innovation in technology alongside sustainable travel options. They include a range of national, regional and local transport schemes including: increasing capacity through operational management; new infrastructure; and improvements to services, on the existing road, rail and public transport network. They will help to improve access to jobs, homes, education, services and business. In particular, they will support improvements to the efficiency and competitiveness of businesses in the region by helping to increase connectivity, minimise congestion, reduce journey times and increase transport choices. The Transport Priorities comprise of a range of projects which are delivered and funded by Local Authorities, the Highways Agency and Network Rail, working closely with public and private sector partners. The funding sources include partner contributions, Department for Transport (DfT) funding streams and other funding mechanisms such as the AWM/DfT Regional Infrastructure Fund. Many projects only become possible as a result of the commitment and funding achieved through close partnership working. The contributing partners for each of the transport priorities are set out at the top of the tables in section 4. 3 Focusing regional funding to support sustainable growth The West Midlands regional funding allocations for economy, housing and transport are being led by the shadow Joint Strategy and Investment Board (JS&IB) which is a partnership of the West Midlands Regional Leaders Board and Advantage West Midlands Board. The JS&IB is providing a strategic oversight to ensure that regional funding is aligned and focused on locations where a range of public resources would help stimulate private investment and deliver the greatest impact. In order to maximise the impact on the region s economy, a significant proportion of the funding available has been focused on work in 20 Impact Investment Locations. It was recognised that aligning and phasing the delivery of interdependent regeneration, housing and transport projects a greater impact. Impact Investment Locations include a range of projects from the development of housing sites and business parks, public transport improvements and highways schemes, university extensions, to town and city centre regeneration projects. The approach brings together inter-related funding contributions from a range of organisations including Advantage West Midlands, Homes and Communities Agency, Department for Transport, Local Authorities, Highways Agency, Network Rail and the private sector. There are currently over 70 projects being delivered across the 20 Impact Investment Locations. Projects in each of the Impact Investment Locations have been scrutinised by the JS&IB. The scrutiny process assesses progress and the deliverability of projects with a particular focus on those scheduled for delivery before It enables re-profiling of strategic investment if appropriate to ensure that regional funding allocations deliver maximum benefit. The introduction of smarter, strategic management of funding is important as public sector funding has already and will continue to reduce. Therefore, working in partnership and prioritising investment in projects effectively is increasingly vital. 7

8 3 Monitoring the Transport Priorities The monitoring process for the Priorities is currently based on a formal annual review; the lead partner for each priority takes overall responsibility for channeling data and information into the production of a progress report. In order to introduce some scrutiny into the process, this information has been cross referenced against the quarterly reports provided to DfT for all regionally funded schemes. There is recognition of the need to streamline the monitoring processes as we move forward to add transparency and rigor to the delivery of the priorities. The Action Plan and the contents of this Progress Report has displayed how; through Local Authorities and other partners working together; the region can drive and monitor delivery of important transport interventions to increase our connectivity and to help unlock our region s economic potential. Planning for the Longer Term While the Action Plan focuses on the short to medium term we also need to start planning for the longer term and identify the transport priorities that will ensure we can deliver sustainable economic growth for the second half of the decade and into the next. The transport priorities for the national, regional and city networks for the period after 2014 are being identified through the Delivering a Sustainable Transport System (DaSTS) process that is being taken forward by Department for Transport and regions. The DaSTS process is an objective and goal led approach to identifying the longer term priorities for supporting sustainable economic and housing growth and regeneration. The current work package will identify the key transport challenges in defined geographic areas, their root causes and provide the evidence base to begin to plan investment priorities and ensure that the region can focus its efforts and resource effectively over the longer term. Longer term planning for the West Midlands rail network is being taken forward through Network Rail s Route Utilisation Strategy process, and through the Rail Development Plan. Regional partners will be identifying the longer term rail priorities to support sustainable economic growth. There is also a growing bank of evidence highlighting the economic benefits that a high speed rail link to London can offer to Birmingham and the wider West Midlands Region. The anticipated 45 to 50 minute journey time to London will allow parts of our region to rival locations in the south east which has the potential to significantly boost our economy and attract investment, regeneration and new jobs. The JS&IB has confirmed its support for high speed rail to Government, highlighting that in order to ensure the maximum benefits for the regions there should be two stations; one serving Birmingham City Centre and a Parkway station by or near to Birmingham International Airport/NEC. Alongside this there should be a direct link to the existing high speed and classic rail network as well as Heathrow. In addition, we also need to maximize the benefits of the traditional rail network to improve access to towns and cities across the West Midlands. 8

9 4 Progress with Priorities Significant progress has been made in taking forward the transport priorities. Detailed progress against the specific actions is set out in the tables in section 4. This section sets out an overview of progress. Birmingham New Street Station securing cross organisational region wide support, alongside focused partnership working enabled funding from four public sector funding streams to be brought together with private sector contributions and provide a 425m funding package towards this major gateway project. Following approval of public sector funding, positive progress has been made and enabling works started on site in September Birmingham International Airport Runway Extension and Surface Access - planning approval for the Runway Extension was confirmed in November In addition the important surface access public transport scheme ANITA received full funding approval from Department for Transport and has started on site. M5/M6 Capacity Improvements and Motorway Box the Highways Agency have managed the first phase of the project providing additional capacity through hard shoulder running on the motorway network. Phase 1 of the project comprising of M40 J16 to M42 J3A; M42 J7 to J9 and M6 J4 to J5 was delivered by December 2009, 4 weeks ahead of schedule. Work on Phase 2; M6 J8 to J10a; started on site in April 2009 and is on-track for completion before April Rail Freight Upgrade projects (SMART linking Southampton to the Midlands and beyond; and Peterborough to Nuneaton) key partners have worked together to develop funding packages for these two rail freight projects which will allow modern sized goods containers to be transported by rail from key ports to our region and beyond. Construction on the 70m rail freight gauge enhancements between the Southampton to West Midlands/West Coast Main Line started in January 2009; key milestones achieved to date include completion of the Southampton Tunnels at Christmas Work also commenced on the 68m route between Peterborough to Nuneaton in summer 2009, with full completion due by the end of Regional Rail Capacity Work has progressed with all of the projects in this priority; whilst good progress has been made with the Cotswold Line Upgrade with the first phase of works complete in Summer 2009 others have progressed, but not always in line with key milestones. Funding for a programme of smaller scale improvements has been included in the RFA; the projects to be included in the first tranche of the programme costing 19.29m have been agreed with the Department for Transport. The rail match funding programme which will provide investment for station and line improvements at key locations in the region: Work on a number of improvements is already underway. Black Country Transport Spine a number of projects are on course to meet their forecast completion dates including local projects that help address congestion in the Black Country, including the 12 million improvements at Burnt Tree Island that started on site in July Focused partnership working enabled an innovative funding package, substantively funded through the Regional Infrastructure Fund, to be put together leading to the commencement of works on the 12 million Wolverhampton Interchange. A decision from Department for Transport on funding to support the A41/A4031 Expressway scheme in West Bromwich is also imminent. 4 9

10 4 North Staffordshire Integrated Transport Package - Substantive progress has been made in identifying the transport building blocks needed to support the regeneration and revitalisation of the area. Some good progress has been made in identifying the key components of the Integrated Transport Package and moving forward individual projects, in particular the city centre public transport interchange and the development of future major schemes. Real focus is now required to clarify what needs to be delivered and when to ensure that the package is deliverable and affordable, whilst tackling the key goals of supporting regeneration and improving access to jobs. Settlements of Significant Development/New Growth Points Whilst information received on a scheme-byscheme basis suggests that, generally, transport schemes are progressing in line with forecasts; delays in regional and local planning processes and concerns around funding have resulted in progress being somewhat patchy. Technical work, including the development of local transport models, is progressing. Smarter Choices As a result of the delay in the Sustainable Travel Cities bid process (now subsumed into the Urban Challenge Fund) progress was initially slow. The momentum is beginning to be regained with a catalogue of successful projects being developed and delivered across the region. To ensure the greatest impact, work is already underway on integrating and joining up work and projects. 10

11 5 Action Plan Progress Tables to 2014 Birmingham New Street Station Good progress on the gateway station s redevelopment and enlargement project has been made; with milestones being met and work on track for construction completion in Lead organisation and partners Birmingham City Council (BCC), working with Network Rail, Advantage West Midlands, Centro and the Department for Transport (DfT) 5 Actions and Reported Progress Actions 1) Funding agreements 2008 onwards (BCC) 2) Acquisition of Stephenson Tower 2008/2010 (BCC/ Network Rail) 3) CPO Public Inquiry February/March 2009 (BCC) 4) Section 251 Footpath Diversion Order included in Inquiry February/March ) Construction /2014 (BCC) 6) Reserved matters January 2009 to August 2009 (Network Rail) 7) Design works 2008/2009 (Network Rail) Progress to Date Formal agreements with the DfT and Centro achieved July Initial capital funding tranche ( 79m) received from DfT October 2009 Vacant possession secured in February Procurement activity progressing: Initial work packages secured within budget CPO confirmed in July 2009 and the legal challenge period successfully completed in September 2009 Vesting process (part of the land acquisition process) has started to secure vacant possession of land required by the scheme construction programme Enabling work on site commenced in September 2009 works in NCP car park Permission given September 2009 for reserved matters submissions to be phased: Reserved matters application approved by Birmingham City Council January Detailed Planning Approval granted February Project design reviewed and endorsed by Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment in line with funder comments. Detailed design is progressing towards completion aound Easter 2010 Future Actions Procurement activities (Network Rail) Completion of detailed design April 2010 (Network Rail) Conclusion of land assembly process Autumn 2010 (BCC) Demolition of Stephenson Tower on target to start in Autumn 2010 Main works to commence in April 2010 with overall completion in December 2014 Phase 1 (west) completion July 2012; Phase 2 (east) commences August 2012 Construction 2010/2015 (Network Rail) 11

12 Birmingham International Airport Runway Extension and Surface Access Good progress made on the ANITA public transport improvements project, with DfT funding secured and works progressing. Planning approval for the Runway Extension has been granted and regional partners continue to work together on funding issues. 5 Lead organisation and partners Birmingham International Airport Limited (BIAL), working with Advantage West Midlands, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) and the Highways Agency Actions and Reported Progress Actions Progress to Date ANITA: 1) Preliminary works March ) Begin main construction works Summer ) Secure private sector funding (BIAL/NEC) Runway Extension: 4) Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council Planning Committee December 2008, March 2009, April 2009 and September ) BIAL Board Approval, Review of Business Case and commitment to implementation ) Acquire Land 2009/2010 7) Design and Procurement 2009/2010 8) Construction 2011/2013 (dependent on Land Acquisition and Compulsory Purchase Order process) Future Actions Preparatory works started on site in March 2009 Main construction works started in July 2009 BIAL and NEC pledged 1m and 0.5m respectively to support bus services to BIA and the NEC. This will be spread over three years starting in 2010/11: Negotiations ongoing regarding the funding start date (anticipated to be June 2010)k Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council approved the Planning Application in November 2009, with Conditions and a S106 Agreement. Government Office for the West Midlands confirmed in May 2009 that the Secretary of State would not call in the Planning Application for the Runway Extension BIAL Board has agreed a Business Plan for the Airport in June 2009 which includes the Runway Extension BIAL seeking to acquire the outstanding land required for the Runway Extension BIAL commenced the process to confirm the detailed design for the Runway Extension in December 2009 BIAL has Compulsory Purchase Order powers which could trigger a Public Inquiry ANITA: New bus services to be implemented in June 2010 All works to be complete beginning 2011 Runway Extension: Work progressing with regional partners in bringing together the funding required (BIAL and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council(SMBC)) Acquire land 2010/2011 (BIAL/SMBC) Design and Procurement 2010/2011 (BIAL/SMBC) Construction 2011/2013 (BIAL and SMBC), dependent on funding approval, land acquisitions and improvements in market conditions 12

13 M5/M6 Capacity Improvements and Managed Motorways Projects Good progress made on Phases 1 and 2 to deliver additional capacity on our motorway network through hard shoulder running and variable speed limits with key milestones being met/exceeded Lead organisation and partners Highways Agency, working with the Department for Transport (DfT) 5 Actions and Reported Progress Actions Managed Motorways Phase 1 M40 J16 to M42 J3A, M42 J7 to J9 and M6 J4 to J5: 1) Complete delivery of Managed Motorways Phase 1 December 2009 Managed Motorways Phase 2 M6 J8 to J10A: 2) Commence delivery of Managed Motorways Phase 2 April 2009 Managed Motorways Phase 3 M6 J5 to 8: 3) Commence investigatory works for Managed Motorways Phase 3 April 2009 Progress to Date M40 J16 to M42 J3A and M42 J7 to J9 completed and operational as of 21 August 2009 M6 J4 to J5 opened on 1 December 2009 one month earlier than planned Works commenced on site in April 2009 and are due for completion at the end of March 2011 Currently at Options stage and on programme to be completed in 2012 Future Actions Managed Motorways Phase 3 M6 J5 to 8: Public Information Exhibition to be held Summer 2010 Stage Gate Assessment Review scheduled for August

14 Rail Freight Upgrades Peterborough to Nuneaton and Southampton to West Midlands Good progress made on both elements of this key multi-partner project to allow modern standard containers to be transported from key ports to in-land markets by rail. Construction has started this year and is on track for completion before end of Lead organisation and partners Network Rail, working with the Department for Transport (DfT), Associated British Ports, DP World Southampton, South East England Development Agency, Advantage West Midlands, East Midlands Development Agency, East of England Development Agency, Local Authorities, Freight Operating Companies, Shipping Companies and Terminal Operators Actions and Reported Progress Actions Peterborough Nuneaton: 1) Completion of detailed design ) Commencement of construction Mid ) Transport and Works Order for the Nuneaton Chord Submission Spring 2009 Southampton to the West Midlands and West Coast Main Line: 4) Completion of detailed design 2009 Progress to Date Final detailed design is well underway Construction on site started mid 2009 on time Order was submitted in July 2009 Final detailed design is well underway for remaining 50 structures needing enhancements Construction started January 2009 with a number of structure enhancements along the route already complete Future Actions Peterborough Nuneaton: Transport and Works Act Order for Nuneaton North Chord Public Inquiry is planned to commence on 9 March 2010; Completion of construction works end of 2011 Southampton to the West Midlands and West Coast Main Line: Completion of construction works end of

15 Regional Rail Capacity both for Passengers and Freight Good progress on a number of projects to improve the quality, reliability, capacity and availability of rail services in our region: The first tranche of a rail match funding programme was agreed with Department for Transport in Autumn Some delay on other projects, but forecasts for delivery remains on track. Lead organisation and partners Actions and Reported Progress Centro, Network Rail, Local Authorities, Advantage West Midlands, Train Operating Companies, Freight Operating Companies and the Department for Transport 5 Actions Progress to Date Birmingham City Centre Metro Extension and Line 1 Improvements: 1) Major Scheme Business Major Scheme Business Case submitted to Department for Transport October 2009 Case Spring 2009 Connecting Coventry: Developer (Cannon Kirk) submitted Outline Planning application September 2009; modelling approach for the scheme confirmed with Department for Transport October 2009 Cotswold Line Upgrade: First phase of works successfully completed Summer 2009 Coventry Nuneaton Rail Line (NUCKLE Phase 1): 2) GRIP studies for NUCKLE Phase 1 (GRIP 4) Summer 2009 Longbridge Transport Hub: 3) Longbridge Hub Major Scheme Business Case submission to DfT Winter 2009 Rail Match Funding Programme: Draft West Midlands Rail Development Plan 4) consultation (May-July 2009) Future Actions Network Rail developing scheme for delivery before 2014 with additional vehicles in 2013 Work underway: Delay in Major Scheme Business Case submission due to design work for identifying feasible options; need for additional modelling data; and consultation lead times Department for Transport agreed funding for number of station and line speed improvements Consultation complete: Recommendations may address some of the capacity gaps to be highlighted by Network Rail s Route Utilisation Strategy process (completion 2011 BCCE and Line 1 Improvements: Submission for full Department for Transport Approval expected August 2011; completion of Infrastructure October 2014 Connecting Coventry: Major Scheme Business Case submission for Conditional Approval August 2010; project complete December 2014 Cotswold Line Upgrade: Wolvercot Junction to Moreton-in-Marsh works complete May 2011 and August 2011 for Moreton-in- Marsh to Evesham Coventry Nuneaton Rail Line (NUCKLE Phase 1): Network Rail approvals February 2010; Major Scheme Business Case due for submission in March 2010 Major Scheme Business Case Full Approval January 2012; Completion end2014 Cross City South Enhancements: Value management reviews due to be completed by 2010 with detailed design and implementation Longbridge Transport Hub: Completion of Public Consultation June 2010 and submission of Major Scheme Business Case and Planning Application Spring 2011; Construction works start in September; completing September 2013 (2014 for Park & Ride) Rail Match Funding Programme: 2010 Develop programme to support funding secured from the Network Rail Discretionary Fund, the National Stations Improvement Fund and other mechanisms 15

16 Black Country Strategic Transport Spine Broadly positive progress on the transport projects that will support the regeneration and growth of the Black Country. Capacity, safety and access will be improved through the delivery of the Burnt Tree Island project that is on now on site; a decision by DfT on improvements to access to West Bromwich expected early Some slippage has occurred on the Midland Metro improvements project but scheme remains due for delivery before Lead organisation and partners Actions and Reported Progress Centro, working with Local Authorities, Advantage West Midlands, Network Rail, Operators, Local Regeneration Companies and Private Developers Actions A41/A4031 West Bromwich: A4123/A461 Burnt Tree: 1) Works start on A4123/A461 Burnt Tree Spring 2009 A449/Wobaston Road Corridor Improvements: 2) Funding package negotiations for Wobaston Road Corridor Improvements agreed by the Department for Transport/AWM and Wolverhampton City Council Spring 2009 Midland Metro Wolverhampton Loop: 3) Complete Major Scheme Business Case for the Line 1 Improvements (New Trams) Spring ) Develop Transport & Works Act Order for Wolverhampton Loop Winter 2009 Wolverhampton Interchange: 5) Wolverhampton Centre Access Interchange planning application - Summer 2009 Future Actions Progress to Date Submission made to Department for Transport for Full Approval: Decision expected in early 2010 Work on site commenced 7 September Slight slippage due to number of factors including difficulty agreeing access for third party land Revised Planning Application submitted by AWM and financial contributions agreed Major Scheme Business Case submission planned for Summer Case for the new trams element of the scheme was submitted in October 2009 as part of the Birmingham City Centre Extension scheme (see Regional Rail Capacity) Date of submission is to be confirmed Planning permission granted September 2009 Stakeholder Agreements nearing completion for the Bus Station Redevelopment and no objections remain for the highway closures advertised Regional Infrastructure Fund funding approved November 2009; enabling works commenced 16 November 2009 for the Bus Station Redevelopment 16 A41/A4031 West Bromwich: Construction works programmed to start in March 2010 with completion in September 2011 A4123/A461 Burnt Tree: Scheme completion forecast for Summer 2011 A449/Wobaston Road Corridor Improvements: Regional Funding package to be agreed January 2010; Department for Transport funding approval Winter 2010; Planning Application to be determined January 2010; construction to start June 2011 and complete August 2012 Midland Metro Wolverhampton Loop: Department for Transport Approvals Summer December 2011, with approval for the Transport and Works Order 2011/12; Construction start March 2013 and complete in Spring 2015 Wolverhampton Interchange: Bus Station Redevelopment start main contract works February 2010 with completion in Spring 2011; Rail Station and commercial elements completion September 2014

17 North Staffordshire Integrated Transport Package Some progress on the package of transport measures that will support the economic revitalization and regeneration of North Staffordshire with design works for a number of elements underway and a refreshed local transport model developed that will support and inform business case development. Continued focus is needed to ensure that the package is targeted appropriately, realistic and deliverable. Lead organisation and partners Actions and Reported Progress Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire County Council, Newcastle Borough Council, North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership, Advantage West Midlands, Highways Agency, Bus and Train Operators 5 Actions Progress to Date Integrated Transport Package 1) Progress Planning Matters and Third Party Funding 2009 onwards Streetcar Network: Green Line: 2) Complete Outline Business Case 2008/2009 3) Start Major Scheme Business Case by January ) Complete development of Business Case for funding of University Boulevard by May 2009 City Centre Public Transport Interchange: Local Regeneration Schemes Hanley-Bentilee Link Road: 5) Start Major Scheme Business Case for Hanley- Bentilee Link September 2009 Development work including funding and design on the integrated transport package as a whole is ongoing Draft Outline Business Case completed February 2009 with major scheme business case due to start procurement in April 2010 New base year transport model developed and MSBC preparation to start April 2010 Completed Design competition started for new facility Development Agreement now in place with developer of East-West shopping centre Major Scheme Business Case not yet started due to funding uncertainty. Business case development expected to start in early 2010/11 Strategic Park and Ride: Incorporated into the City Centre Car Park Strategy study completed in March 2010 Future Actions Integrated Transport Package: Complete updating of North Staffordshire Multi-Modal Transport Model January 2010 City Centre Public Transport Interchange: Ongoing negotiations with bus operators; agreement for moving from old to new bus station developed by July 2010 and completion of Planning Application November 2010 Start of construction expected March 2011 with completion / opening of new facility Spring/ Summer 2012 Local Regeneration Schemes Hanley-Bentilee Link Road: Full Department for Transport Approval for Hanley- Bentilee Link Road expected in May 2013 with construction July December 2014 Strategic Park and Ride: Development of Park and Ride and City Centre Parking Strategy March 2010 Streetcar Network: Green Line: Forecasting model developed and preliminary design and costings completed by Spring 2010, followed by development of full Major Scheme Business Case 17

18 5 Lead organisation and partners Actions and Reported Progress Settlements of Significant Development (SSDs)/New Growth Points* (NGPs) Some positive progress in taking forward projects that will support sustainable housing and economic growth in identified areas of development and regeneration. Key achievements include and securing Community Infrastructure Funding to help deliver a number of transport projects that will support housing growth. Timely progression of local Planning processes key for successful delivery of this Priority. The report of the panel following the Examination in Public of the Regional Spatial Strategy Phase 2 revision was published in September 2009; the proposed changes by the Secretary of State are currently awaited. Local Transport Authorities, the Highways Agency, Centro and Network Rail Actions Birmingham* Black Country*/Sandwell Progress to Date 4.97m of Community Infrastructure Funding for Icknield Port Loop and Cole Hall Lane 5.6m New Growth Point funds for 09/10 and 10/11 secured and allocated Coventry* City Centre Action Plan published for consultation December 2009 East Staffordshire* Burton-upon-Trent 3.3m Community Infrastructure funds for sustainable transport for Burton-upon-Trent Hereford* Hereford Multi-Model Modelling Report completed September 2009 Nuneaton/Bedworth, Rugby and Warwick/Leamington Shrewsbury* Current focus of work for all areas is on providing support and evidence for Local Development Framework preparation Continued progress on Shrewsbury North West Relief Road. Solihull* Core Strategy to be published Summer 2010, adoption pre 2011 Stafford* Telford* Positive progression on Stafford Transport Study Positive progress on modelling work for Greyhound Link scheme Worcester* Transport Strategy consultation opened December 2009 Future Actions 18 Birmingham*: Progress key schemes: funding package for Longbridge March 2010; Planning and Delivery Framework for Icknield Port Loop Spring 2010; and Dudley Road Major Scheme Business Case August 2010 Black Country*/Sandwell: Work on the growth point funded projects has started and monitoring will commence from Quarter /10 East Staffordshire* Burton-upon-Trent: Implementation of Community Infrastructure Fund package by March 2011; Progress Major Scheme Business Case for the Burton to Swadlincote Corridor pending Joint Delivery Strategy Coventry: City Centre Action Plan forecast for submission in May 2010 Hereford*: Core Strategy Public Consultation will commence January / March 2010 to inform the future Hereford Transport Strategy. Technical Assessment of route options to be completed by Autumn 2010 Nuneaton/Bedworth, Rugby and Warwick/Leamington: Local Development Framework Inquiries being held for all areas during 2010 Shrewsbury: North west Relief Road Public Consultation is planned for April 2010 with Business Case submission in August 2010 Solihull*: Policy Directions paper publication Summer 2010 Stafford: Stafford Western Access Improvements: submission of the business case for Programme Entry April 2010 Telford: Submission of business case for Greyhound Link scheme for Programme Entry planned for June 2010 Worcester: Major Scheme Business Case submission for Worcester Transport Strategy for Programme Entry April 2010

19 Lead organisation and partners Actions and Reported Progress Smarter Choices Some good progress has been made on the wide range of measures encompassed by this priority to encourage the use of more sustainable transport options. Success stories include expansion of Workwise in the Black Country and securing funding for the Coventry and Birmingham Low Emission Demonstration (CABLED) project. This is the largest of the Technology Strategy Board ultra low carbon vehicle demonstrator projects and could provide a step change in the number of electric vehicles in regular use on the roads of the region. Centro, working closely with Local Transport and Planning Authorities, the Highways Agency, Network Rail, the Health Sector and the Business Community 5 Actions RSS Examination in Public April-June 2009 Development and reporting of corridor based strategy Summer 2009 Awareness raising campaigns and events including annual campaigns to strengthen the TravelWise brand 2009 ongoing Project Development Work 2009 onwards Delivery Package of Measures 2009 onwards Future Actions Progress to Date Complete June 2009 and RSS Phase 2 Panel Report published September 2009 Smarter Choices corridors identified and proposals incorporated into the West Midlands Metropolitan Area bid for Sustainable Travel Cities funding Network West Midlands is the unified brand for sustainable transport in the Metropolitan Area and now incorporates cycling, walking and car sharing. A range of Smarter Choices measures have been implemented across the region in 2009: Corridor approach Personalised Journey Planning projects implemented in Coventry Education: School Travel Plan targets exceeded. Innovative and award winning Letz go Green campaign. Business and employment: the regional TravelWise Group s employer conference Smarter Working Sharing the Experience October 2009; WorkWise secured funding to expand across the Black Country Community and residential: Station Travel Plan pilot launched at Kings Norton (June 2009). Dudley launched Healthy Town s Lets go Outside programme. Cycling network Funding secured for Cycle Shrewsbury project and Stoke as Cycle City demonstration town to deliver network improvements, marketing and training. Supporting measures: funding secured to develop Walking and Cycling Journey Planners in Metropolitan Area; Transforming Bus Travel launched and Coventry and Birmingham Low Emission Demonstration will develop and demonstrate electric vehicle technology and infrastructure Corridor Demonstration Projects : Identify final shortlist of potential corridors around region for Smarter Choices demonstration schemes Implement corridor demonstration schemes/ monitoring (dependant on funding) Smartcard Pilot: Concessionary pass smart card rollout December 2010 Cycling network: Complete Cycle Shrewsbury and Stoke on Trent Cycle City Projects2010/11 19

20 6 Action Plan Progress Tables: Post 2014 The Progress Tables in the previous sections identify, future actions for each of the priorities. The key milestones for the next twelve months include: M5/M6 Capacity Improvements and Managed Motorways Projects 6 Lead organisation and partners Schemes Post-2014: Actions and Reported Progress Highways Agency, working with the Department for Transport (DfT) Managed Motorways Phase 4 M5 J2 to M6 J8 Managed Motorways Phase 5 M5 J3 to 4A M54 / M6 / M6 Toll Link M6 Capacity Improvements J10a- J19 Actions Complete option appraisal and costing for M54 / M6 / M6 Toll Link late summer 2009 Progress to Date Option appraisal completed and submitted to the Department for Transport in Summer 2010 Discussions ongoing between the Department for Transport and Midland Expressway Limited regarding deliverability and affordability of these options Regional Rail Capacity Both for Passengers and Freight Lead organisation and partners Schemes Post-2014: Actions and Reported Progress Centro, Network Rail, Local Authorities, Advantage West Midlands, Train Operating Companies, Freight Operating Companies and the Department for Transport Birmingham Central Area Rail Capacity Improvements (Camp Hill Chords) and Tamworth and Camp Hill Lines local passenger services Brinsford Park and Ride Coventry Leamington Rail Line (NUCKLE Phase 2) Telford Park and Ride Walsall Stourbridge Freight Corridor Worcestershire Parkway Actions GRIP studies for Stourbridge Walsall Freight Route - Winter 2009 Progress to Date Business case under development Work also underway to quantify the major benefits arising from the line, and liaison ongoing with key stakeholders. Black Country Strategic Transport Spine Lead organisation and partners Schemes Post-2014: Actions and Reported Progress Centro, working with Local Authorities, Advantage West Midlands, Network Rail, Operators, Local Regeneration Companies and Private Developers Rapid Transit: Wednesbury to Stourbridge via Brierley Hill Wolverhampton to I54 Rapid Transit 20 Actions Complete Business Case for Wednesbury to Stourbridge Rapid Transit Summer 2009 Progress to Date Study to identify key transport challenges complete Work being taken forward by key stakeholder group to develop robust case for right transport solution for corridor

21 7 Short Term Achievements To ensure positive progress continues to be made, future actions for each of the priorities have been identified. The key milestones for the next twelve months include: Completion of the ANITA scheme to deliver high quality public transport access to Birmingham International Airport and the National Exhibition Centre for travellers, visitors and employees in December / early 2011; Advantage Start of West construction Midlands for the A41 / A4031 Expressway West Bromwich scheme to improve access to this key centre of the Black Country, supporting its economic and social regeneration; Birmingham Chamber of Commerce The conditional approval of the extension of the Midland Metro Line 1 to Birmingham New Street and the Birmingham City Council procurement of new rolling stock; Birmingham International Airport Limited Submission to Government in late Summer for conditional approval of the Connecting Coventry scheme that Black Country Consortium will act as a catalyst for development around Coventry rail station and support the regeneration of a key Impact Centro Investment Locations; and Coventry City Council The roll out of the concessionary pass smart card schemes in December 2010, making a positive step towards Dudley ensuring Metropolitan that Smart Borough Choices Council are a real and attractive option for people and businesses. Faber Maunsell 7 Government Office for the West Midlands Herefordshire Council Highways Agency KPMG Mott MacDonald Network Rail Rail operators Regional Transport Partnership Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council Shropshire County Council Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council Staffordshire County Council Stoke-on-Trent City Council Telford & Wrekin Council Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council 21

22 8 Overarching Short Term Actions 8 This report has highlighted the tangible progress that has been made over the past twelve months in developing and delivering our nine Regional Transport Priorities. To ensure that the momentum is maintained; work will continue to ensure that the right transport infrastructure is in place at the right time and in the right place to support the sustainable growth and regeneration of our region. In addition to the short term actions for each of the priorities set out in the previous sections there are four specific actions which regional partners need to progress: The regional work package to deliver the DaSTS interim progress report at the end of June 2010 setting down the work to date in developing a regional transport programme for 2014 onwards; Continue work to develop Local Transport Plans which will set the strategy and delivery process for projects to support safe and sustainable local growth from 2011 onwards; Continue to manage and review the development and implementation of the RFA programme of investment to maximise the impact of funding available; Work with regional partners to promote the case and respond to the Governments March announcement on High Speed Rail. Monitoring Progress The plan is now well supported by a range of partners across the West Midlands and beyond. The full added value provided by the Action Plan now needs to be realised by continuing and developing the monitoring process along the lines of the process introduced for the region s 20 Impact Investment Locations. Further detailed assessment and monitoring of the deliverability and progress on the transport priority projects is essential and will enable better management of funding in current climate of political and financial uncertainty. A flexible approach to managing regionally allocated funding streams will need to be maintained to make sure that the Priorities remain relevant, realistic and deliverable. An annual progress report on the Regional Transport Priorities will be published in approximately twelve months time. Looking to the Future Working in partnership has been the foundation of the success in driving forward the Priorities. In a climate where supporting sustainable economic recovery is fundamental, where public spending is increasingly limited; the continuation of a strong public / private partnership approach is vital to focus resource effectively. Alongside this partners will continue to explore new and alternative funding mechanisms. 22

23 Contributors Advantage West Midlands Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Birmingham City Council Birmingham International Airport Limited Advantage West Midlands Black Country Consortium Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Centro Birmingham City Council Coventry City Council Birmingham International Airport Limited Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council Black Country Consortium Faber Maunsell Centro Government Office for the West Midlands Coventry City Council Herefordshire Council Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council Highways Agency Faber Maunsell KPMG Government Office for the West Midlands Mott Herefordshire MacDonald Council Network Highways Agency Rail Rail KPMGoperators Regional Mott MacDonald Transport Partnership Sandwell Network Rail Metropolitan Borough Council Shropshire Rail operatorscounty Council Solihull Regional Metropolitan Transport Partnership Borough Council Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council Staffordshire County Council Shropshire County Council Stoke-on-Trent City Council Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council Telford & Wrekin Council Staffordshire County Council Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council Stoke-on-Trent City Council Warwickshire County Council Telford & Wrekin Council West Midlands Business Council Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council West Midlands Business Transport Group West Midlands Regional Assembly Wolverhampton City Council Worcestershire County Council 23