Public to get say on £3.4bn transport blueprint

A BLUEPRINT for £3.4 billion of transport projects to get the West Midlands moving has been revealed.

Consultation has now been launched on the expansion of the Midland Metro tram network, new suburban rail lines, cycle routes and motorway improvements in the coming decade.

The ‘2026 Draft Delivery Plan’ sets out a timetable for the construction of schemes which the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) says can best unlock economic growth and capitalise on the arrival of the HS2 high-speed rail line into Birmingham.

The extension of the metro tram to the new HS2 station in Eastside and a new route in Brierley Hill is one of the projects set for public scrutiny.

The redevelopment of Coventry railway station, improvements to junction six of the M42, cycle routes in Walsall and the Wolverhampton interchange are also set to be consulted upon. Various other transport schemes will also be included as funding is sought in the next decade.

Managing director Laura Shoaf said: “This plan aims to prioritise the building of those schemes that can best underpin and support the WMCA’s wider goals for economic growth, housing and skills.

“It’s about which schemes should be built and when so that we secure the biggest bang for our buck and have the right transport infrastructure in place to maximize the already significant economic benefits of HS2. This blueprint therefore has a key role to play in the future prosperity of our region which is why I would encourage people to take this opportunity to have their say.”

The online consultation is on the Transport for West Midlands website and comments are invited before June 9.