sign in sign up
<<
Home , A42 road (England), Air Balloon (pub), East Midlands, Forest of Dean, Marshbrook, River Severn

to and Route Strategy March 2017 Contents 1. Introduction 1 Purpose of Route Strategies 2 Strategic themes 2 Stakeholder engagement 3 Transport Focus 3 2. The route 5 Route Strategy overview map 7 3. Current constraints and challenges 9 A safe and serviceable network 9 More free-flowing network 9 Supporting economic growth 10 An improved environment 10 A more accessible and integrated network 10 Diversionary routes 13 Maintaining the strategic road network 14 4. Current investment plans and growth potential 15 Economic context 15 Innovation 15 Investment plans 15 5. Future challenges and opportunities 19 6. Next steps 23

i R o ou o to Sota te at oo r ta a to at tr o atege o to Sota et oo to ae e o o rou te or te rogra etoe to a e o route tratege o t e Soet to a Strateg Roa etor to Soet a et orror to a Sout oat etra

rga to eter

A1 Sout et eua

oo to ee at at o ga Sout ee A19 A69 ort e Newcacastlstlee upon Tyne e Carlisle A1 Sunderland a to ae a ouet M6 erre ort a at a A66 A1(M) A595 Sout a Middlesbrougugh

A66 A174

A590 A19 A1

A64

A585 M6 York Irish S Lee ea M55 ds M65 M1 Preston M606 M621 A56 M62 A63 M62 M61 M58 A1 M1 Liver Manchest A628 A180 North Sea pool er M18 M180 M57 A616 A1(M) M53 M62 M60 Sheffield A556 M56 M6 A46 A55 A1 Lincoln A500 Stoke-on-Trent A38 M1 A52 A50 A483 A5 A453 A38 A42 A46 A458 M54 Norwich A5 M42 A47 M6 A47 M69 A1 M6 A12 A5 M5 M42 A1(M) Coventry A14 A11

A49 M45 M1 A45 A14 Worceesster A14 A46 A5 A428 A421 Cambridge M40 A11 M50 A1 Ipswich A43 Milton A12 A14 A40 Keynes M1 A120 A40 Glou A417 A5 A1(M) cester A120 M11 M5 A34 M25 M48 M40 A419 A12 M4 M4 A404 M4 SoSouuthethenndd--onon-S-Seea Br A13 istol M32 Reading M4 M2 A249 A34 M5 A36 A303 M26 M3 M25 A2 M20 A3 Crawley M23 A36 A303 A21 A20 Folk A23 estonone Yeovil A31 A259 M27 A3(M) A27 A30 A30 A27 Bright A259 A35 Portsmouth on

Torquay A30 Plymouth A38

Engliglishsh Chhanannel oetre e gay gey ea e re R ro oyrgt a at aae rgt ra e Surey

ii z

1iii z

Highways 1. Introduction

The modernisation of England’s motorways and major A roads, also known as the strategic road network (SRN), is making a vital contribution to economic wellbeing and growth. This Route Strategy – one of 18 such reports – provides a statement on the current performance of, and perceived pressures on, the Midlands to Wales and Gloucestershire route to inform the planning of future investment.

The SRN supports national and local economic prosperity by: ▪▪ linking together major cities ▪▪ connecting with extensive local road networks ▪▪ providing links to major ports, airports, and rail terminals ▪▪ enabling good access to regions and cross-border routes between the nations of the

The establishment of through the Infrastructure Act 2015 has changed fundamentally the way we plan investment in the network. Funding is now determined every 5 years, in the Road Investment Strategy (RIS), which is set by Government. We are currently delivering on the commitments that were set out in the first RIS covering 2015 to 2020, which are already making a difference for road users across the network. At the same time, we are working closely with the other 3 bodies with statutory responsibility for the RIS – , Office of Rail and Road and Transport Focus – on preparing for the next RIS (RIS2) for the period after 2020.

1 2 Midlands to Wales and Gloucestershire Route Strategy

RIS1 Strategic ision as reiterated in RIS Post 2020: Planning ahe ad Purpose of Route Strategies RIS1 Strategic ision as reiterated in RIS Route Strategies provide a high level view of the current Post 2020: Planning ahe ad performance of the SRN as well as issues perceived by E conomy Environment our stakeholders that affect the network. They are one of the key components of research required for developing E conomy Environment Network the RIS. This suite of Route Strategies builds upon the Integration analysis underpinning the first set of Route Strategies capability undertaken between 2013 to 2015, which together Network capability Integration provided the first comprehensive assessment of the entire network. This time the Route Strategies aim to: Safety

▪▪ bring together information from key partners, Safety motorists, local communities, construction partners, Figure 1.1 - RIS1 strategic vision environmental groups and across the business Highways England Strategic Business ▪▪ achieve a better understanding of the condition Plans key outcomes and performance of our roads, and local and Highways England Strategic Business regional aspirations Plans keyS outcomesupporting economic growth through a modernised and reliable network that reduces delays, cr eates jobs ▪▪ shape our investment priorities to improve the service and helps business compete and opens up new areas Suppforo dretingvelo epcmeo nnot m ic growth through a modernised for road users and support a growing economy and reliable network that reduces delays, cr eates jobs and helps business compete and opens up new areas help inform the next RIS1 More free-flowing network where routine delays ▪▪ for developme nt are more infrequent, and where journeys are safe r and more reliable More free-flowing network where routine delays Strategic themes are more infrequent, and where journeys are safe r andS mafeor ea ndrelia sbelerv iceable network where no one The Government’s vision for transforming the SRN is should be harmed when travelling or work ing on the network described in the Road Investment Strategy post 2020: Safe and serviceable network where no one Planning Ahead document available on www.gov.uk. This should be harmed when travelling or work ing on vision builds on the 5 broad aims published in the Road the Inmeprtworkoved environm ent where the impact of our activities is further reduced, ensuring a long-term and Investment Strategy for 2015-2020: economy; network sustainable benefit to the environment Improved environm ent where the impact of our capability; integration; safety; and the environment. It also activities is further reduced, ensuring a long-term and builds on Highways England’s 5 strategic outcomes (see susMtaoinraeb alecc beensse fitib tloe tahnde e innvtiroegnrmeatendt network that gives peop le the freedom to choose their mode of Figures 1.1 and 1.2). Using the evidence from this and the transport and enable safe movement acro ss and other 17 Route Strategies, we will develop proposals that Moalore nagccsideess thibel en eatndwor ikn t egrated network that gives peop le the freedom to choose their mode of can help bring the Government’s vision for roads to life. transport and enable safe movement acro ss and alongside the network

Figure 1.2 - Highways England strategic outcomes

1See Chapter 6 for more information on the next RIS

2 Highways England

Transport Focus We commissioned Transport Focus, the road user watchdog, to undertake research on road user priorities. More than 4,400 interviews were undertaken with drivers across the SRN. Figure 1.4 below shows the breakdown by Stakeholder engagement user type and purpose. Building on the engagement we started in the first round of Route Strategies, we have continued to work Completed interviews closely with a wide range of stakeholders to enhance our Completed interviews understanding of the strategic road network, and identify 3,487 79% where users and other stakeholders feel investment 3,487 79% is needed. 322 7% We used a number of methods to collate information. 322 7% For example, we launched an online tool for customers 407 9% and stakeholders over the summer of 2016 to inform us of the issues and challenges on our roads that affected 407 9% them. As well as information collated from a range of 206 5% people within Highways England, more than 300 different 206 5% stakeholder organisations provided important feedback on the network during the evidence collection period. Commuting 501 11% There were also more than 370 individual members of the Commuting 501 11% public who contributed information. In total, around 2,700 Business 1,367 31% individual points were raised by external stakeholders. Business 1,367 31% Leisure 2,457 56%

Leisure Figure 1.4 - Driver sample breakdown2,457 56% 250 fleet managers from a mix Business 250of industries fleet managers sie and from regions a mix Local authority of industries sie and regions STBs/LEPs

Individuals The research found that the Midlands to Wales and Others Gloucestershire route was one of the highest rated of the routes, with 80% of users rating their experience of the motorway sections as either extremely good or fairly good, and 67% giving the same rating to the A road sections, which form most of the route. As Table 1.1 shows, 32% of users still Figure 1.3 - External stakeholder responses experienced problems using the route, with congestion and then high volume of traffic/roadworks jointly cited as the two We are increasingly working with subnational transport main causes. bodies (STBs), including Midlands Connect, England’s Economic Heartland and Transport for the North, so we The full report has been published on Transport Focus’s can ensure that their developing strategies and planning website www.transportfocus.org.uk/research-publications/ are integrated into our thinking (and vice versa). publications/road-to-the-future. We will continue to work closely with Transport Focus to understand customer priorities to ensure that the next RIS reflects their needs.

3 Midlands to Wales and Gloucestershire Route Strategy

Experienced largest Route impacted Largest problem problems % problem

61% M25 to Solent

58% London Orbital and M23 to Gatwick

50% South Coast Central

46% Solent to Midlands

44%

43% Birmingham to Exeter

41% South West Peninsula

41% North and

40% London to East

40% South

39% Kent Corridor to M25

37% London to Scotland West

Midlands to Wales and 32% Gloucestershire

30% Felixstowe to Midlands

30%

28% London to East

27% London to Wales

17%

Delays caused Roads busy/ Congestion/ Roadworks by accidents/ high volume traffic queuing roads closed of traffic

Table 1.1 - Transport Focus summary

4 Highways England 2. The route

The Midlands to Wales and Gloucestershire route provides important east– west transport links between while the A49 connects these 2 corridors providing a north–south link through the parallel to the Welsh border.

The route is comprised mostly of trunk roads with 2 complete motorways, the M54 and M50. Strategic links from KEY

Herefordshire and Gloucestershire include Midlands to Wales and the A40 into Wales and the A417/A419 Gloucestershire route to the south. The A5/A483/A458 roads in SRN the north provide key access routes from the A49 and M54 into Wales. The route predominantly consists of A roads, which are mostly single carriageways with numerous side road junctions and at-grade roundabouts that provide local access to towns and villages. It also includes 2 motorways, the M50 towards the southern end of the route, and the M54 in the north. These motorways play an important role supporting transport movements between the Midlands and Wales. The route also provides transport corridors between , Birmingham and Wales, linking several towns and cities including , Ross-on-Wye, , Leominster and . The northern section of the route includes stretches of the A5, A458 and A483, which provide an important strategic link between , and the . This supports local traffic and employment journeys across Reproduced using data © Crown Copyright 2016 Shropshire, in addition to providing an important tourist and leisure route to mid and north Wales by carrying high Figure 2.1 - Route overview map volumes of seasonal traffic. The A5 is also an important road for freight traffic from the Midlands accessing Holyhead port in north Wales.

5 Midlands to Wales and Gloucestershire Route Strategy

The A49 connects the English and Welsh borders and to and Shropshire, and then on to and north Wales via the A5, A458 and A483. The A49 is an alternative north–south corridor to the longer motorway route via the M50, M5 and M6 motorways. While the majority of traffic using the A49 make local and inter-regional trips, there are still significant long-distance traffic flows. To the south of the M50, the A40 provides an additional east–west corridor between Wales and Gloucester. East of Gloucester, the route is linked by the A417 and A419 to Swindon and the M4 and the south-east. The A40 is used for both long-distance travel and commuter trips between Ross-on-Wye, Gloucester and . This route is the first crossing point of the north of and an attractive route to those travelling into Wales via the M4 toll crossing. The western stretch of the A40 is largely rural, whereas the eastern section near Gloucester is more urbanised and therefore has a greater proportion of short local journeys, in addition to longer-distance strategic traffic. North of Gloucester, where the A40 forms a bypass of the city, are the only sections that are . The A417 provides a link from Gloucester to , where it connects to the A419, which continues to the M4 Junction 15 at Swindon. This is an alternative, shorter route for traffic travelling from mid Wales and parts of the Midlands in order to access London and the south The A417 and A419 of England. The majority of the A417 and A419 is dual carriageway, apart from the section around , which trunk roads provide is single carriageway with at-grade junctions. The A417 and A419 trunk roads provide an important link between an important link the M5 and M4 motorways. It forms a strategic corridor of predominantly dual carriageway between the Midlands between the M5 and and the north and the south of England. This section of the route is maintained and operated on behalf of Highways M4 motorways. England as part of the private finance initiative under a design, build, finance and operate (DBFO) contract.

6 Highways England

© Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey 100030649 – N130328

Newcastle upon Tyne

Liverpool Manchester

Norwich Birmingham

London

Exeter

KEY

Midlands to Wales and Gloucestershire route Port Airport Junction number

Blue sections are motorways Red sections are all-purpose trunk roads

Figure 2.2 - Route Strategy overview map

7 8 Highways England 3. Current constraints and challenges

This chapter outlines the emerging Operational issues affect parts of this route. The section of the A40 crossing the Severn between Over and issues raised by stakeholders and Highnam is prone to flooding and there is no planned is supplemented by Highways diversionary route. England information. More free-flowing network The following text and figures within this chapter provide a summary of the information collected and applied to The majority of the route experiences capacity constraints, our strategic themes. which are likely to worsen in future. The congestion issues can be in part attributed to single-width carriageways with A safe and limited overtaking opportunities, which is exacerbated by agricultural vehicles using the route and a rise in the serviceable network number of HGVs.

There are concentrations of safety issues at various points Capacity constraints are particularly evident on the A49 and on the route, with some sections being among the worst the A5, which experience unpredictable journey times due performing within the SRN. to delays at several junctions and congestion through the busier urban areas of Hereford, Shrewsbury, Leominster The A49 is mostly single carriageway with limited overtaking and . Journey times in Hereford city centre are opportunities. Accident records show Hereford to be a worsened by the mix of local and through traffic and the collision hotspot and this has been linked to congestion poor resilience caused by the single river crossing. and conflicts between long-distance and local traffic. Level crossings on the A49 in Shropshire are the subject of safety The most congested sections of the route include the concerns, particularly crossings in Marshbrook, Craven junction of the A49 with the A5 ( roundabout), Arms and . In order to accommodate an increase in and delays also occur both on the A5 mainline and at rail demand, rail operators are planning to upgrade the level several roundabouts. The A5 route is seeing increased crossings on and adjacent to the A49. This is likely to require freight movements from west Cheshire and north-east the level crossings being closed while work is undertaken, Wales to mid Wales and the west Midlands via the M54, which could result in temporary traffic congestion. which is contributing to an increase in congestion. Concerns also exist regarding the safety of junctions on the The worst stretch of the A40 for congestion issues is route, including the A5/A483 roundabout at , the between Longford junction and Over junction to the crossroads on the A5 between its junctions with the A458 north of Gloucester. The roundabouts at these junctions and A483, the A5/B4397 junction, the A5/B4380 junction experience queuing that is particularly severe during peak and the A44/A49 roundabout north of Leominster. periods. The A40 Longford roundabout is a critical point where the A38, which is a major local route, and the A40 Currently, there is limited incident management capability intersect, and there is planned strategic growth in this area on the A49, both in terms of the Traffic Officer Service and which will increase the need for capacity improvements roadside technology. On average it takes more than 60 at this location. There is also an issue concerning right- minutes to clear an incident on the A5, the longest time turning traffic queuing back onto the A40 at the A40/B4216 within the route. The lack of technology provision is due to junction in Huntley. the limited power and telecommunications supply in the predominantly rural locations. The A417 is susceptible to congestion, particularly towards Birdlip, south of the A417/A436 roundabout. The A419 There are various locations along the A417 and A419 junctions to the north and east of Swindon, such as that have been highlighted as having poor safety records. Blunsdon and the White Hart roundabout, are also prone There are also safety concerns at junctions on the single to congestion. carriageway section of the A40, where there are capacity constraints and consequent congestion causes queuing and stacking back at junctions. There are also a number of crossings within the central reservation that increase the risks of collisions.

9 Midlands to Wales and Gloucestershire Route Strategy

Supporting economic An improved environment growth

The current capacity challenges focus on the major The route runs through or alongside a number of Areas of towns and cities, which are also key centres for economic Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). Towards the northern growth. These include the M54 around , section of the route, the A49 runs north–south through the A5 around Shrewsbury and Oswestry, the A49 through the , and in the south it runs through the Hereford and the A417 and A419 around Swindon and . Towards the south, the M50 runs along the between Cowley and Brockworth. southern edge of the and the A417 crosses the . Approximately 27,500 houses are expected to be built across Shropshire within the 2006–2026 Shropshire Core A number of roads that make up this route are Strategy timeframe, and more than 16,000 houses are predominantly rural with low population density; therefore planned in Herefordshire during the 2011–2031 Core on roads such as the A5, traffic noise issues are low in Strategy timeframe. These developments will increase traffic comparison to other routes. However, there are Noise on the surrounding road network including the SRN. Important Areas on the A40 on the outskirts of Gloucester, and noise concerns have been raised in Latton and Cerney There are also plans to create more housing and Wick on the A419. employment sites in Ross-on-Wye and Hereford. Jobs will be created within the Hereford Enterprise Zone, Skylon There are a number of designated Air Quality Management Park, a new university and model farm employment site in Areas (AQMAs) along the route, including Hereford, Ross-on-Wye. It is anticipated that additional road capacity Shropshire, Shrewsbury, Gloucester and Leominster. The improvements will be required to support the economic anticipated increase in congestion on the route may worsen growth over the medium to longer term (by 2021). air quality. Hereford Enterprise Zone is important for development in The A5 from Oswestry to the Welsh border is located the region but due to the existing congestion problems, adjacent to, or partly within, a number of conservation there is currently a cap on development next to the designated sites including 4 Sites of Special Scientific SRN until accessibility is improved. Without intervention, Interest, a Special Area of Conservation, a local nature economic growth in the area may suffer. reserve and ancient and semi-natural woodland. There is planned housing growth in Gloucestershire in the Joint Core Strategy area which, would increase congestion A more accessible and and delay on the A40. Economic growth may also be constrained by congestion to the north of Gloucester on integrated network the A40, in addition to a lack of resilience due to limited crossing points of the River Severn, and accessibility to and Within the evidence, locations have been identified where from the employment centres. walking and cycling are most affected by the SRN. These include the A483, which runs through the centre of the Developments such as the New Eastern Villages urban villages of Pant and , and is used by high extension development on the M4 and A419 will create levels of HGV traffic. additional pressure on the Commonhead junction to the south-east of Swindon. This development includes a spine The planned New Eastern Villages urban extension of road connecting the A420 to the A419, a new employment Swindon will increase traffic on and across the A419, which area and new housing with associated health, retail, separates the 2 areas. Measures will be needed to address education and leisure facilities. the severance issues from the A419 for residents of the new housing. Around Gloucester, the SRN causes issues for non- motorised users. Consultees highlighted a lack of cycling infrastructure along the A40 between Highnam and , west of the city, and issues with access to the Forest of Dean. There is also a lack of pedestrian facilities between the city centre and housing north of the A40.

10 Highways England

Midlands to Wales and Gloucestershire - Route Strategy: Map 1 of 2

A5 Large amount of projected new housing in Shropshire Delay at roundabouts and up to 2026 A5 mainline due to lack of overtaking opportunities Oswestry

Potential junction capacity issues where A49 meets A5 with future growth in the area Stafford

A 5 Time taken to clear incidents A483 is over 60 minutes on average Shrewsbury A458 M54

M 6 Significant level of through traffic in Pant and Telford Llanymynech, particularly a 2 high number of HGVs Wolverhampton M 6

No dedicated provision for cyclists and limited for Dudley pedestrians along A49 Shropshire Hills A AONB 4 9

KEY

Supporting economic growth Free-flowing network Safe and serviceable network Improved environment Accessible and integrated network

A49 see Map

Figure 3.1 - Key challenges for the route

11 Midlands to Wales and Gloucestershire Route Strategy

Midlands to Wales and Gloucestershire - Route Strategy: Map 2 of 2

see Map 1 A49

Congestion on A49 in Leominster M5 KEY

Higher than average collision rate Leominster along the A49 through Hereford Supporting economic growth A 4 9 Worcester Free-flowing network

Lack of technology provision Safe and serviceable network due to the predominantly rural location leading to a limited power/ Improved environment telecommunications supply Accessible and integrated network

Large amount of projected housing and development in and around Hereford Hereford Ledbury 1 A M50 4 9 A46

Queues and congestion at and between Longford and Over junctions 4 Flooding is an issue between A40 Over roundabout and Highnam Lack of a cycle route on sections of 49 A40 and limited pedestrian facilities A4 A40 Cheltenham Ross-on-Wye Gloucester South of Air Balloon junction there is 40 A congestion both ways on the A417 A 4 Limited crossings of the River Severn: 17 traffic management challenges can occur when Cotswolds AONB one of the Severn crossings is closed, or there are incidents on the M5, putting pressure onto the A40 as a diversionary route Noise Important Areas

5 Cirencester M

A 4 19 New Eastern Villages urban extension of Swindon separated from the town by the A419

Expected growth from residential and commercial developments Swindon

M4 M4

Figure 3.2 - Key challenges for the route

12 Highways England

Diversionary Routes An essential facet of a resilient road network is the ability to effectively divert traffic away from closed carriageways in the event of an unplanned incident. The map indicates the diversionary routes that currently exist on this route and that have been agreed with the local road network operator. However, it should be noted that the provision of these routes is dependent upon the nature of the incident and the suitability and availability of the surrounding network. In some instances, the diversion route may not be suitable for HGV traffic or might not be available due to events on the local road network. A review is currently underway to improve the quality and coverage of these routes, and to improve the traffic management procedures that are relied upon to implement these routes in the event of a carriageway closure.

KEY

Route Diversion road network via local road Strategic road network Contains Ordnance Survey Data © Crown Copyright and database right 2016

Figure 3.3 - Midlands to Wales and Gloucestershire diversionary routes

13 Midlands to Wales and Gloucestershire Route Strategy

Maintaining the strategic road network We carry out routine maintenance and renewal of roads, structures and technology to keep the network safe, serviceable and reliable. We also ensure that our contractors deliver a high level of service on the SRN to support operational performance and the long-term integrity of the asset. The heavy year-round use of all our routes means that they require regular maintenance and inspections for repairs to keep them fully operational, in order to support economic growth. Our maintenance regime focuses on 4 key aspects of the routes: road surfaces, bridges and structures, drainage and earthworks. The summary condition of each on this route is set out below:

Road surface The surface condition across the route is considered to be sound or having some deterioration with less than 0.5% having severe deterioration that would require focused investigation.

Bridges and structures Future developments The structures across the route are mostly in very good We have taken steps to transform our approach to or good condition. According to an analysis of current maintenance by establishing an asset management data, less than 1% of our structures are in poor or very programme that develops and implements the Asset poor condition. Management Framework for Highways England. The framework aligns strategic objectives with regional Drainage asset management plans and lifecycle asset management Drainage assets are represented by both linear assets (for plans. It also includes the analysis required to plan the example pipes, channels, ditches, drains) and non-linear investment and expenditure on the strategic road network assets (for example gullies, chambers). Across the route, during the next road period, developing the business drainage assets are considered to be in good condition case options for capital renewals. It will provide a clear for both linear and non-linear assets. Of those assets articulation of the total value that will be delivered by inspected, at least 75% of both the linear and non-linear investment in RIS2, including the costs and benefits of assets have been assessed as having no defects or only delivering the capital renewals programme. superficial defects. Operations Earthworks We are establishing a nationally consistent approach to The geotechnical earthworks across the route are the management of our operational capability through considered to be in fair condition, with the total length of our Operational Excellence change programme. This will earthworks that require further investigation amounting to deepen our understanding of how our interventions impact less than 2%. on the performance of the network and on the journeys of New assets have an operational ‘life’, during which, our customers. We are using the latest analytical software under normal conditions and maintenance, the risk of to process traffic data and gain insight into: failure is expected to be low. Beyond this period, the ▪▪ how our operational services can improve safety risk of asset failure is expected to increase, although for and provide security to road users many types of asset the risk of failure remains low and ▪▪ how the attendance of a traffic officer has an impact we do not routinely replace assets solely because they on incident durations are older than their expected operational life. We use a how information provided by Highways England combination of more regular maintenance and inspection, ▪▪ can benefit road users who plan their journeys along with a risk-based approach to ensure that assets beforehand and then while on their journeys remain safe while achieving value for money from our maintenance and renewal activities. By better understanding our current operational performance, we can create a baseline from which we can identify opportunities for improvement.

14 Highways England 4. Current investment plans and growth potential

Investment in the strategic road ▪▪ commercial development – an assessment of the relationship between the main property sectors and network can make areas more the SRN attractive for inward investment, ▪▪ international gateways – a review of principal international gateways (ports and airports) and their unlock new sites for employment and contribution to the economy housing and facilitate regeneration. ▪▪ socio-economic analysis and future forecasts – mapping of socio-economic data (population, deprivation and employment) and sectoral forecasts From servicing the UK’s logistics needs, linking our up to 2030. This included identification of the likely manufacturing heartlands and connecting to our growth forecasts for all sectors with a particular focus international gateways, supporting services-driven activity on those sectors heavily dependent on the SRN in high-growth towns and cities, to meeting the needs of our visitor economy, the SRN is critically important to The Road to Growth sets out our evidence findings to servicing the UK economy. date and the steps we will take to enhance our enabling role in supporting economic growth. Economic context Innovation Highways England has been working with a wide range of stakeholders to develop a strategic economic growth In April 2016, we published our Innovation, Technology plan, which we are calling The Road to Growth. This plan and Research Strategy which set out how Highways explores the economic role of the strategic road network, England will use pioneering behaviours to help support and aims to explain how we will further increase our our strategic objectives and create value for customers contribution to the UK economy. As part of the evidence and stakeholders. base for The Road to Growth, over 400 economic The £150 million Innovation Designated Fund was hotspots – or economic opportunity areas (EOAs) – established to support innovative capital projects and to around the SRN have been identified in consultation with support developing the use of emerging technologies, Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs). The figures in this new materials and ways of working. chapter highlight the EOAs which most closely align and are supported by the route. Investment plans To inform the development of The Road to Growth and assess the relationship between the SRN and economic The following figures show the location of Highways growth, a suite of evidence reports were completed. England major improvement projects which have These reports were published alongside The Road to previously been announced to help tackle some of the Growth discussion paper and were subject to public issues on the network. The Highways England website consultation from November 2016 to January 2017. and delivery plan updates should be consulted for the Alongside the engagement we have undertaken with latest information. all LEPs across England, the following evidence reports The figures also show strategic studies which have have ensured we have a more comprehensive economic been progressed during RIS1, innovation projects and evidence base and a better understanding of future economic opportunity areas. challenges and opportunities: ▪▪ economic growth and the SRN – an evidence review of the relationship between transport investment and economic growth

15 Midlands to Wales and Gloucestershire Route Strategy

Midlands to Wales and Gloucestershire - Route Strategy: Map 1 of 2

A5

Oswestry

Stafford

A5 A483 Shrewsbury A5 J12 A458 M54

M 6

KEY Telford 2 Wolverhampton M Highways England 6 major improvement project Innovation i54 Enterprise Zone M54 to M6/M6 Toll link road Dudley Strategic study A49 Economic opportunity areas Housing and mixed use

Mixed employment cluster

Urban centre Kidderminster

International gateway

Industrial Ludlow Research and technology

Energy

Intermodal transport hub

Logistics

A49

Figure 4.1 - Investment plans and economic opportunity areas

16 Highways England

Midlands to Wales and Gloucestershire - Route Strategy: Map 2 of 2

A49 KEY

Highways England M5 major improvement project A49 Innovation

Strategic study Leominster Economic opportunity areas Worcester Housing and mixed use Mixed employment cluster

Urban centre

International gateway

Industrial

Research and technology Hereford Energy Ledbury 1 Intermodal transport hub M50 Hereford Logistics Enterprise Zone A46

Tewkesbury 4 A49

Cheltenham A449 A40 Ross-on-Wye Gloucester Cheltenham-Gloucester

A40 A417 ‘missing link’ at Air Balloon improvement A417

Quedgeley 5 M Cirencester

A419 Ecotricity

Berkeley

Swindon M4

Swindon M4 M4

Figure 4.2 - Investment plans and economic opportunity areas

17 18 Highways England 5. Future challenges and opportunities

Route Strategies have identified study areas on the strategic road network which require further investigation of the issues raised by stakeholders and identified through Highways England intelligence. These study areas will now be assessed further as part of our development for RIS2.

A5 Note: The map presents the extent of study areas within the route. Colours/shading are Oswestry for presentational purposes only and no A5 Shrewsbury to Welsh Border Stafford prioritisation has been considered at this stage.

A 5 A483 Shrewsbury A458 M54

M 6

Telford 2 Wolverhampton M 6

Dudley A49

A49 Shrewsbury to Ross-on-Wye

Kidderminster

Ludlow

M5

Leominster

Worcester A49

Hereford 8 Ledbury 1 A49 M50

9 A46

4 A449 A40 Gloucestershire

A40 Cheltenham 11 A40 Ross-on-Wye 11A

Monmouth Wales A417

A417/A419 Swindon to M5

5 M Cirencester

Stroud A419

Swindon M4 15 M4

Bristol

Figure 5.1 - Map of all study areas

19 A5 Midlands to Wales and Gloucestershire Route Strategy

Oswestry

Stafford A49 Shrewsbury to Ross-on-Wye A 5 A483 ▪▪ The A49 forms a key north–south route for local, inter- Shrewsbury regional and long-distance traffic and its reliability is key A458 to economic growth in the region, for tourism and for Welshpool M54 freight transport between north and south Wales. M ▪▪ Hereford Enterprise6 Zone is important for development in the region but has existing congestion problems. There Telford is currently a cap2 on development next to the SRN until accessibilityWolve isrh aimproved.mpton M ▪▪ Large amounts of long-distance6 traffic mixes with local traffic on sections of this route, especially around Hereford. Dudley ▪ There are safety issues on the A49 in Hereford and A49 ▪ safety concerns have been raised regarding the level crossings in the corridor. ▪▪ A third of the sections that make up this study area are assessed as being among the worst performers in Kidtermsdermin softe rroad safety when compared with the rest of the network. ▪▪ Increased traffic on the A49 may worsen air quality and Ludlow noise issues.

M5

Leominster

Worcester A49

Hereford 8 Ledbury 1 A49 M50

9 A46

4

A449

A40 Cheltenham 11 A40 Ross-on-Wye 11A

Monmouth Wales A417

20 5 M Cirencester

Stroud A419

Swindon M4 15 M4

Bristol A5

Oswestry

Stafford

A 5 A483 Shrewsbury A458 Welshpool M54

M 6

Telford 2 Wolverhampton M 6 Highways England

Dudley A49

A5 Shrewsbury to Welsh Border Kidderminster ▪▪ Congestion across the study area is worsening and the network is potentially reaching capacity. The increased congestion and constrained network may have a Ludlow A5 negative impact on safety. ▪▪ New housing planned within Shropshire, particularly in Oswestry M5 Shrewsbury and Oswestry. ▪▪ The ability to provide effective links to Wales also has a potential impact on economic growth, particularlyStafford in the Leominster summer with a significant number of tourists travelling A 5 through this route. A483 Worcester ▪ There are potential environmental problems at Pant and A49 ▪ Shrewsbury A458 Llanymynech should congestion and the number of Welshpool HGVs continue Mto5 rise.4

M 6

Telford 2 Hereford 8 Ledbury Wolverhampton M 1 6 A49 M50

9 A46 Dudley A49 4 A417/A419 Swindon to M5 A449

Cheltenham ▪▪ Significant economic growth is forecast A40 for Swindon. 11 Kidderminster A40 Ross-on-Wye ▪ Congestion and delay along the A417 and the 11A ▪ A419 is expected to increase.

Monmouth Ludlow ▪▪ Increased congestion may cause traffic to reroute onto narrow local roads. Wales A417 ▪▪ There may be a worsening of safety due to the extra traffic. M5 ▪▪ There could be an increase in air pollution and 5 noise for homes in close proximity to the route. M Cirencester Leominster ▪ There are severance issues along the A419. Stroud ▪ A419 Worcester A49

Swindon Hereford 8 M4 15 M4 Ledbury 1 Bristol A49 M50 9 A46

4 A449 21 A40 Cheltenham 11 A40 Ross-on-Wye 11A

Monmouth Wales A417

5 M Cirencester

Stroud A419

Swindon M4 15 M4

Bristol A5

Oswestry

Stafford

A 5 A483 Shrewsbury A458 Welshpool M54

M 6

Telford 2 Wolverhampton M 6

Dudley A49

Kidderminster

Ludlow

M5

Leominster Midlands to Wales and Gloucestershire Route Strategy

Worcester A49

A40 Gloucestershire

Hereford 8 ▪▪ Infrastructure may constrain future development plans for Ledbury this area. 1 A49 M50 ▪▪ Levels of congestion and delay along this section of the A40 will continue to increase, in particular on the areas of 9 A46 single carriageway. ▪ Increased congestion will cause traffic to reroute onto 4 ▪ narrow local roads; this is already occurring with HGVs A449 using B roads. Cheltenham A40 ▪▪ In terms of safety, there may be an increase in the number 11 of incidents due to increased traffic. A40 Ross-on-Wye 11A ▪▪ Air pollution may worsen, particularly for homes in close proximity to the A40. Monmouth ▪▪ There may be an increase in noise for properties in close Wales A417 proximity to the A40, and the number of areas affected may increase.

5 M Cirencester

Stroud A419

Swindon M4 15 M4

Bristol

22 Highways England 6. Next steps

Our findings from this and other In the decision phase, the consultation feedback will assist the Department for Transport in developing RIS2. Route Strategies, as well as other In turn we will develop a Strategic Business Plan (SBP) setting out how we will deliver RIS2 as a business. research, will inform our first Strategic Both the RIS and SBP will be reviewed by the regulator Road Network Initial Report which of roads, the Office of Rail and Road, to ensure that we have made the most efficient decisions. The final is to be published later this year. documents are to be published in 2019. This will form the basis of a public consultation, which in turn will feed ▪▪Strategic Studies into decision-making on the next Research ▪▪Route Strategies ▪▪Highways England produces Road Investment Strategy (RIS2). (2015-18) Strategic Road Network Initial Report on the state of the network We are looking ahead to the next RIS and how we can support the Secretary of State in ensuring that value for Evidence used money investments are made in the road network. The in drafting RIS2 process for developing RIS2 is set out in our licence, and is in 3 phases: research, decision and mobilisation. ▪▪Department for Transport produces We are currently in the first phase –research phase Road Investment Strategy – where we are gathering wide-ranging evidence on Decision ▪▪Highways England produces the state of the network and how we can ensure that Strategic Business Plan (2018-19) ▪▪Office of Rail and Road reviews the improvements have maximum impact. The series of efficiency of both Route Strategies, of which this is one, is an important part of this phase alongside the outcomes of strategic studies which looked at particularly complicated RIS2 finalised problems on parts of the network and how to tackle and published them. Another key source of evidence is the Strategic Economic Growth Plan (The Road to Growth), which examines where and how the SRN can help support economic growth. This will emphasise that sectors Mobilisation ▪▪Highways England produces the Delivery Plan dependent on the road network employ 7.4 million (2020) people, that we are already doing a great deal to support growth and that we want to do even more. Now that this series of Route Strategies is published, we 1 April 2020 - Road will continue our engagement with stakeholders, including Period 2 begins other transport providers and authorities, on how best to address problems and maximise opportunities. For example, in working towards seamless end-to-end Delivery (post 2020) journeys for our customers, we will be focussing on how the strategic road network links with local roads and Figure 6.1 - RIS2 high-level process other modes of transport. Findings from the research phase will feed into Highways England’s Strategic Road Network Initial Report, expected to be published later this year, which will outline Highways England’s ambitions for the network across 2020–2025 and beyond. The Initial Report will be the subject of public consultation.

23 Midlands to Wales and Gloucestershire Route Strategy

In the finalmobilisation phase, we will set out a Delivery Plan with a detailed programme of investment to be carried out in 2020 to 2025 on the basis of the commitments in RIS2. Continued investment in modernisation, maintenance and operation will further improve the road network on top of the measures and schemes currently being undertaken, and will allow us to further support users of the strategic road network and the UK’s economy. The rigorous process of developing RIS2 should ensure that the best use is made of taxpayers’ money and that investments have the maximum impact. The views and perspectives of different stakeholders, including motorists, are important to us. Stakeholders may also wish to contact one of the partner organisations. For example, stakeholders can keep up to date with Transport Focus’ work, by signing up to their monthly electronic newsletter Road User Voice. Alternatively, stakeholders may prefer to make their views known through one of the many organisations involved in RIS2. They include the AA, RAC, RAC Foundation, Road Haulage Association, Freight Transport Association, Campaign for Better Transport, Confederation of British Industry and many others. We will provide information about the process and emerging findings at events for representative organisations in spring 2017. At the same time, we are developing the dialogue with emerging STBs, local government, LEPs, business groups and environmental organisations. We want to align our analysis, and eventually our decision-making, with that of other organisations, so that we can maximise the benefit of investment, for example focusing on improving the interconnectivity between different modes and between the strategic and local road networks. This should lead to a richer discussion during public consultation on the Strategic Road Network Initial Report.

24 25 If you need help accessing this or any other Highways England information, please call 0300 123 5000 and we will help you.

© Crown copyright 2016. You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence: visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email [email protected].

This document is also available on our website at www.gov.uk/highways

If you have any enquiries about this publication email [email protected] or call 0300 123 5000*. Please quote the Highways England publications code PR222/16

Highways England Creative job number N160375

*Calls to 03 numbers cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number and must count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls. These rules apply to calls from any type of line including mobile, BT, other fixed line or payphone. Calls may be recorded or monitored.

Registered office Bridge House, 1 Walnut Tree Close, Guildford GU1 4LZ Highways England Company Limited registered in England and Wales number 09346363