Projects accelerated
Transport Secretary announces an ‘acceleration unit’ to tackle delays to transport infrastructure projects.
INDUSTRY leaders have welcomed the creation of a new government ‘acceleration unit’ to tackle delays to transport infrastructure projects.
Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps made the announcement on August 21, in conjunction with the unveiling of some £360 million in funding for a number of road and rail schemes (see separate story).
The acceleration unit will be in place from later this month. It will be accountable to Shapps and led by Campaign for Better Transport Chief Executive Darren Shirley, who will leave his current role.
The team of specialists will engage experts with experience of delivering major projects - including Highways England Director of Complex Infrastructure Chris Taylor, who oversaw the early completion of the £1.5bn A14 construction scheme in Cambridgeshire.
The creation of the unit follows the establishment of a new Northern Transport Acceleration Council ( RAIL 910) that forms a direct link between Westminster and local leaders.
“We want to accelerate Britain’s recovery [from COVID-19] by investing in vital infrastructure that will help get businesses back on their feet, create jobs to replace those that have been lost, and level up our country,” said Shapps.
“The creation of our new Acceleration Unit and investment in our roads and railways will ensure we build back better, greener and faster in future.”
Speaking on behalf of the rail supply chain, Railway Industry Association Chief Executive Darren Caplan responded: “It is positive news that the Government has set up a new unit to accelerate transport projects, as well as providing £340m for rail schemes in Wales.
“Speeding up rail projects is a clear way in which the Government can spur green economic growth, jobs and investment around the
UK, following the economic slowdown caused by the Coronavirus outbreak.”
Rail Delivery Group Director of Nations and Regions Robert Nisbet added: “Putting investment in rail on the fast track is good news for communities and businesses across Britain. Rail companies will continue to work together to deliver vital improvements to make our railway greener and support job creation.”
The RMT union also welcomed the creation of the Acceleration Unit, although it described it as “nonsensical” that it will “predominantly focus on new roads when we are in the midst of a climate crisis”.
On August 21, Highways England also launched its Strategic Business Plan and Delivery Plan for 2020-25, which confirms the delivery schedule for £27.4bn worth of road upgrades over the next five years.