West Midlands Transport: 100km new cycle routes planned for West Midlands as part of £1.3 billion transport investment

Central government awarded the West Midlands £1.3 bn to improve transport infrastructure in October 2021.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has now identified 50 projects which will take priority for these funds.

The ‘unprecedented’ investment from central government has been heralded as an opportunity for the region to revolutionise it’s transport provision and de-carbonise public services.

WMCA also says it will help them to achieve their net zero by 2041 goal.

The list of preferred schemes have been drawn up to submit to the Department for Transport for final approval.

West Midlands Combined Authority said they have been especially selected to:

• Promote the decarbonisation of transport
• Target investment into areas of poor connectivity
• Support inclusive growth

The full list will be published once the plans have been sent.

Meanwhile WMCA has released information about the following schemes as being the priorities.

• 100km of new segregated cycle routes
• 50km of bus lanes and priority measures
• A new railway bridge at Aldridge
• The UK’s first light rail line at Coventry City Centre
• 1,600 electric car charging hubs - to complement efforts to encourage greater use of electric vehicles.
• 10 ultra-rapid charge points for charging on the go and to support users of vans and light goods vehicles
• Further extension of the Midland Metro along the Hagley Road
• Expansion of the tram depot at Wednesbury
• Access to sustainable transport to be improved along key growth corridors including between Bordesley Green and Chelmsley Wood, Dudley and Sandwell and Smethwick and Ickneild.

How are the schemes funded and when will they be delivered?

The schemes, to be developed over the next five years, will be funded from the £1.05 billion City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, which was awarded to the region by the Department for Transport (DfT) last year, topped up with local funding.

What has West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said about the plan?

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and Chair of the WMCA, said: “This unprecedented investment will allow us to deliver more than 50 exciting projects as we continue to revolutionise and de-carbonise public transport across the West Midlands.

“From an expanded Metro network and new railway stations, to more cycle routes and better electric vehicle charging infrastructure, the schemes we have agreed today will benefit every area, with improved links for communities right across the West Midlands, whilst also tackling the climate change emergency by cutting down our carbon emissions.

“I know the team cannot wait to get started on these projects, and so once we have Government approval we will press on with getting diggers in the ground and people into work.”

What has leader of Birmingham City Council Cllr Ian Ward said about the plan?

Cllr Ian Ward, WMCA portfolio holder for transport and leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “The seven local authorities have worked together to produce a package which will ensure we get the most from this investment.

“It will deliver new work and leisure opportunities for our communities, improve our health, reduce traffic congestion, and accelerate our journey towards becoming a net-zero carbon region while fully integrating with our ongoing investment in rail, bus, Metro and cycling.”

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