South Midlands 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 9 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 25
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A1 Sout e t e u a
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A66 A174
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A585 M6 York Irish S Lee ea M55 ds M65 M1 Preston M606 M621 A56 M62 A63 Kingston upon Hull M62 M61 M58 A1 M1 Liver Manchest A628 A180 North Sea pool er M18 M180 Grimsby M57 A616 A1(M) M53 M62 M60 Sheffield A556 M56 M6 A46 A55 A1 Lincoln A500 Stoke-on-Trent A38 M1 Nottingham A52 Derby A50 A483 A5 A453 A38 A42 A46 A458 M54 Norwich A5 M42 A47 M6 M6 Toll Leicester A47 M69 A1 Birmingham M6 Peterborough 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 Oxford M11 M5 A34 M25 M48 M40 A419 A12 M4 Swindon M4 A404 M4 SoSouuthethenndd--onon-S-Seea Br A13 istol M32 Reading London 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) Exeter A27 A30 A30 A27 Bright A259 A35 Portsmouth on
Torquay A30 Plymouth A38
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Highways England 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 South Midlands 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 United Kingdom
The establishment of Highways England 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 – Department for Transport, Office of Rail and Road and Transport Focus – on preparing for the next RIS (RIS2) for the period after 2020.
1 2 South Midlands 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 Plan s key outcomes and performance of our roads, and local and Highways England Strategic Business regional aspirations Plan s 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 Stakeholder engagement across the SRN. Figure 1.4 below shows the breakdown Building on the engagement we started in the first by user type and purpose. round of Route Strategies, we have continued to work Completed interviews closely with a wide range of stakeholders to enhance our understanding of the strategic road network, and identify 3,487Completed interviews79% where users and other stakeholders feel investment is needed. 3,487322 79%7% We used a number of methods to collate information. For example, we launched an online tool for customers 322 7% and stakeholders over the summer of 2016 to inform us 407 9% of the issues and challenges on our roads that affected them. As well as information collated from a range of 206407 5%9% people within Highways England, more than 300 different stakeholder organisations provided important feedback 206 5% on the network during the evidence collection period. Commuting 501 11% There were also more than 370 individual members of the public who contributed information. In total, around 2,700 Commuting 501 11% Business 1,367 31% individual points were raised by external stakeholders.
Business Leisure 2,4571,367 56%31%
Figure 1.4 - Driver sample breakdown Leisure250 fleet managers2,457 from 56%a mix Business of industries si e and regions Local authority 250 fleet managers from a mix STBs/LEPs of industries si e and regions
Individuals
Others The research found that the South Midlands route was well rated, with 61% of users rating their experience of the motorway sections as either extremely good or fairly good, with a slightly higher proportion (66%) giving the same rating to the A road sections. As Table 1.1 shows, Figure 1.3 - External stakeholder responses 30% of users experienced problems using the route, with congestion and roadworks cited as the two main causes. We are increasingly working with subnational transport bodies (STBs), including Midlands Connect, England’s The full report has been published on Transport Economic Heartland and Transport for the North, so we Focus’s website www.transportfocus.org.uk/research- can ensure that their developing strategies and planning publications/publications/road-to-the-future. are integrated into our thinking (and vice versa). We will continue to work closely with Transport Focus to understand customer priorities to ensure that the next RIS reflects their needs.
3 South Midlands Route Strategy
Experienced Second 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% East of England
43% Birmingham to Exeter
41% South West Peninsula
41% North and East Midlands
40% London to Scotland East
40% South Pennines
39% Kent Corridor to M25
37% London to Scotland West
32% Midlands to Wales and Gloucestershire
30% Felixstowe to Midlands
30% South Midlands
28% London to Leeds East
27% London to Wales
17% North Pennines
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 South Midlands route provides a strategic link between the East and West Midlands, and between the M6 and Birmingham Box and the M1.
The route serves the major towns and cities surrounding the south-east of Birmingham to the East Midlands, through KEY
Coventry, Tamworth, Lichfield, Nuneaton, South Midlands route Hinckley, Rugby, Leicester, and towards SRN the south of the Midlands linking the major towns of Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon, Evesham and Ashchurch. It includes the following roads: ▪▪ A38 from Lichfield to Derby (including the A5148) ▪▪ M42 from Birmingham to the M1 south of Nottingham via the A42 ▪▪ A46/M69 from the M5 near Ashchurch to the M1 at Leicester ▪▪ A449/A5 from the junction with the M54 to the A5 junction with the M1 at junction 18 ▪▪ A45 and M45 from Coventry to the M1
The route is mainly made up of dual carriageway all-purpose trunk roads although there are significant sections of single carriageway on the A5 and A46. There are 3 motorway sections, the M45, M42 (junctions 9 to 11) which are 2-lane motorways, and the M69 (M6 junction 2 to M1 junction 21) which has 3 lanes.
Reproduced using Ordnance Survey data © Crown Copyright 2016
Figure 2.1 - Route overview map
5 South Midlands Route Strategy
The M6 Toll is considered as part of this route as it connects M6 junction 4 near Coleshill to M6 junction 11A north of Wolverhampton, running parallel to the A5 and M42 within the South Midlands route. The toll road construction is funded, operated and maintained, by Midland Expressway Limited, which has a government commission until 2054. The route links the East and West Midlands and provides access to a number of significant traffic generators, including the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham and the Donington Park motor racing circuit. Coventry and East Midlands airports are within the route and it links these international freight hubs with the M1 and M6. The A5 is part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). There is a wide variety of use of the route due to the mix of major trunk roads, motorways, and rural and single carriageway sections set within both rural and urban areas. A high proportion of commercial traffic uses the route for east–west movements between Birmingham and Coventry to the M1, with the A5 acting as a local distributor. There are variations in the type and level of traffic depending on the times of the year, especially at the southern end where the route serves the historic towns of Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon where tourism is a key part of the local economy. Major events throughout the year at venues including the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham and Donington Park motor racing circuit attract heavy traffic flows.
6 Highways England
Newcastle upon Tyne
Liverpool Manchester
Norwich Birmingham
London
Exeter
KEY
South Midlands route Port Airport Junction number
© Crown copyright and database rights 2014 Ordnance Survey 100030649 – N130328 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 issues raised by stakeholders and More free-flowing network is supplemented by Highways England information. Congestion is an issue within a number of sections of the route. The M42 between junctions 7 and 10 is one of the most congested parts of the SRN nationally. High levels The following text and figures within this chapter provide of congestion on the M42 at junctions 10 to 9 in peak a summary of the information collected and applied to periods can hinder access to/from Tamworth. our strategic themes. The A5 and A46 include sections of both single and dual carriageway with many at-grade junctions, including roundabouts. There are capacity constraints at locations A safe and on the A46 and at several junctions of the A38 such as serviceable network at the Branston interchange and Hilliard’s Cross. Queuing back from the congested junctions can also lead to There are safety issues at various points on the route, congestion on the local road network. In Ashchurch, the particularly when there is congestion and at some specific A46 corridor is largely urban in nature where the number junctions on the A5. Safety challenges on the A5 are of at-grade signalised junctions and direct accesses focused around Hinckley, Atherstone, the A38 junction cause significant queuing at peak times. and the A461 Walsall Road junction. Several roads provide resilience for other strategic roads Congestion at some junctions results in slip road queuing, in the wider corridor in the Midlands. The A46 between which can affect the mainline traffic flow of the motorway M5 junction 9 and the M6 provides an alternative to the or grade-separated dual carriageway (for example at the Birmingham Box, while the A5 can be an alternative to A46 Stoneleigh Road junction and the M5 junction 9). the M6 and M6 Toll. However, that means that when an This congestion causes safety concerns. incident occurs on the Birmingham Box, the A5 and A46 can experience increased congestion. The A5 corridor Some junctions on the A38 within the route are runs roughly parallel to the M6 Toll between the M6 and non-conventional layouts that may be linked to safety the A38 but, while giving resilience for those routes, the issues in these locations as well as to congestion. junctions are not best-suited for the non-typical traffic On the A46, there are safety issues associated with the flows that occur when disruption elsewhere leads to presence or layout of laybys (and therefore slow-moving strategic re-routing onto the A5. traffic) at several locations. Peak period congestion at some grade-separated The lack of hard shoulder on the A42 reduces access for junctions can affect the mainline due to queuing. On the emergency services. A46 these are the M40 at junction 15 and Stoneleigh Road junction, and the M5 at junction 9.
9 South Midlands Route Strategy
Supporting economic An improved environment growth
The route provides critical strategic links between the The route passes through a number of areas experiencing East, West and South Midlands and hence is vital to environmental challenges. Planned developments near the regional and national economy as well as providing the SRN will have an impact on demand on the network local access to many major urban areas. The ambitious and that will have knock-on environmental impacts. economic growth being promoted by the Midlands There are Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) along Engine will increase the case for better and more parts of corridors in the route (the A5 and A38), and the reliable connectivity between regions to help grow urban areas of Walsall, Birmingham, Coventry, Rugby and economic hubs. Stratford-upon-Avon are declared as AQMAs. A large number of current and proposed development Noise Important Areas (NIAs) occur on all roads across opportunities are likely to come forward either alongside the route with concentrations along parts of the A38, A46 the route or near to other major highway corridors that and A5 specifically. take direct access from it. In particular, flows on the M42 at junction 9 and junction 10 (with the A5) will increase. Flooding incidents near M42 junction 7 are more common than elsewhere on the SRN and stakeholders There is significant logistics activity in the economic report flooding issues on the A46 north of the M40 which opportunity area made up of sections of the M1, M6 and are linked to severe weather. M69 motorways and served by junctions with the A5 and A46. Two rail freight terminals are located within the route, next to the A5. Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal A more accessible and (DIRFT) is close to M1 junction 18 while Birch Coppice integrated network business park is close to M42 junction 10. Expansion of both is planned. Further strategic rail freight interchanges (SRFIs) are planned adjacent to the A38 (East Midlands The evidence review highlighted locations of significance Intermodal Park) and the A5 (Four Ashes). for the integration between the route and other transport modes. Along the A38, A5 and around the M1, M6 and M69 motorways, there is significant further planned investment Severance has been identified as an issue at locations in logistics sites that will likely drive additional use of along the A5 and A46 corridors where the route intersects the network. with the local road network. There is limited and inconsistent provision for pedestrians and cyclists that Significant housing growth is underway, planned or may not meet future demand, including on parts of the proposed at a number of sites close to the A5 and route with adjacent planned major growth of housing and A38. Housing growth is also proposed at locations on employment sites. These include rural locations between the A46 corridor near towns in south Warwickshire, villages while, on the A5, urban locations affected include Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. Bridgtown and Churchbridge near Cannock, Dordon, Grendon and Mancetter near Atherstone. The A46 contributes to severance between rural communities north and east of Stratford-upon-Avon, between Leamington and Kenilworth, alongside the town of Evesham, and through the town of Ashchurch. Birmingham Airport’s projected passenger growth will increase pressure on the adjacent SRN including the M42 in this route. The evidence review also highlighted locations where HS2 will potentially affect demand on parts of the route. The construction of HS2 Phase 1 may have impacts on the SRN as its crosses the A38, A5 and M42 (at several locations between junctions 6 and 10) and the A46. When services begin in 2026, the adjacent Birmingham Interchange station will have associated traffic growth on the nearby SRN, especially the M42.
10 Highways England
South Midlands - Route Strategy: Map 1 of 2 A 8 3 50 3 A6 M1 A A45
Concentration of Noise Important Areas near A38 East Midlands
Safety challenges Air quality issues in Local development at A38 junctions Cannock, Walsall will increase north and south of M 6 and Tamworth network pressures Burton (Clay Mills close to the A5 on the A38 38 and Branston) Loughborough A 42 A
A5/M6T/A34/A460 Capacity issues at several Churchbridge junction is junctions on the A38 Construction of HS2 will potentially increase traffic a barrier to pedestrians 2 and cyclists flows and congestion on A5 Cannock the A38, M42 and A5 M4 6 Lichfield Local development around A4 M42 junction 10 will Development of 11 increase existing network M rail freight hubs 1 pressures on the junction will increase 9 freight traffic M
flows where A4 4 6 T Leicester they connect to o Tamworth M54 ll Many at-grade the route junctions on the A5 Concentration of have conflicting traffic Regular congestion issues affecting the Noise Important flow movements Wolverhampton Wall Interchange (M6 Toll T5) and Weeford Areas near A5 Interchange (M6 Toll T4) and the single carriageway sections of the A5 2 M4 Hinckley 69 Development at MIRA Enterprise Zone in Nuneaton will increase Expansion of existing rail A5 M capacity pressures locally freight hub will increase Regular congestion freight traffic flows where 9 issues between M42 they connect to the route junctions 9 and 10 Local development in North Nuneaton Significant housing planned 5 next to A5 north of Hinckley M Warks and Nuneaton & Bedworth will increase Local development around M42 network pressures on the A5 KEY junction 9 will put pressure on an 69 Along the A5, severance issues already congested network M6 M exist between communities and employment sites Supporting economic growth Birmingham Birmingham Current issues with International congestion and growth Free-flowing network around Birmingham and M42 J9 Safe and serviceable network Challenge for vulnerable Improved environment road users to cross A5 A14 between Hinckley and Coventry Rugby Accessible and integrated network 2 Nuneaton M4 Coventry (see Map 2) A5M1 (see Map 2) Figure 3.1 - Key challenges for the route
11 South Midlands Route Strategy
South Midlands - Route Strategy: Map 2 of 2 (see Map 1) (see Map 1) (see Map 1) (see Map 1)
A M5 5 M1 M6 Construction of HS2 is likely to affect the M42 between 9 Birmingham junctions 6 and 7 M6
M42 A4 Birmingham 52 KEY International M6 2 A45 Coventry Supporting economic growth Construction of HS2 is likely A14 Free-flowing network to increase traffic flows and congestion on the A46
Rugby A
Safe and serviceable network 5 Severance problems for A4 Improved environment M42 non-motorised users between 5 Leamington and Kenilworth Accessible and integrated network Coventry 17 Redditch M45 Warwick
Local development in Warwick Significant housing District and Stratford-upon-Avon and employment sites Severance issues in rural will increase network pressures planned next to A5 areas north and east of 15 on the A46 east of Rugby M Stratford-upon-Avon 1 M 5 A46
Worcester Concentration of Stratford- M Noise Important upon-Avon 4 Areas on the A46 0 near Evesham Capacity constraints on Surface water problems single carriageway A46 associated with severe between Stratford-upon-Avon weather on A46 between and Alcester M40 junction 15 and A4177 Future housing developments proposed in Ashchurch and Congestion on A46, linked to Evesham inconsistent carriageway standards and multiple at-grade junctions and side accesses M50
Congestion at M5 junction 9 approaches in peak times. 9 Proposed growth adjacent to the corridor Congestion at this junction will put further pressure on the route and along the A46 and A483 causes queuing which backs onto the M5 mainline M5 M40
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 - South Midlands diversionary routes
13 South Midlands 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. Future developments Bridges and structures We have taken steps to transform our approach to The structures across the route are mostly in very good maintenance by establishing an asset management or good condition. According to an analysis of current programme that develops and implements the Asset data, fewer than 1% of our structures are in poor or very Management Framework for Highways England. poor condition. 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 linear assets and fair condition for non-linear assets. articulation of the total value that will be delivered by Of those assets inspected more than 55% of the linear investment in RIS2, including the costs and benefits of assets have been assessed as having no defects (grade delivering the capital renewals programme. 1), while more than 65% of the non-linear assets have Operations been assessed as having no defects or only superficial defects. We are establishing a nationally consistent approach to the management of our operational capability through Earthworks our Operational Excellence change programme. This will The geotechnical earthworks across the route are deepen our understanding of how our interventions impact considered to be in good condition, with the total length on the performance of the network and on the journeys of of earthworks that require further investigation amounting our customers. We are using the latest analytical software to less than 1%. to process traffic data and gain insight into: New assets have an operational ‘life’, during which, ▪▪ how our operational services can improve safety under normal conditions and maintenance, the risk of and provide security to road users failure is expected to be low. Beyond this period, the ▪▪ how the attendance of a traffic officer has an impact risk of asset failure is expected to increase, although for on incident durations many types of asset the risk of failure remains low and ▪▪ how information provided by Highways England we do not routinely replace assets solely because they can benefit road users who plan their journeys are older than their expected operational life. We use a beforehand and then while on their journeys combination of more regular maintenance and inspection, along with a risk-based approach to ensure that assets By better understanding our current operational remain safe while achieving value for money from our performance, we can create a baseline from which we maintenance and renewal activities. 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 South Midlands Route Strategy
South Midlands - Route Strategy: Map 1 of 2
3 8 5 3 A6 M1 4 A A
A 50
KEY East Midlands
A38 and Birmingham's M Highways England 6 Housing Market major improvement project 8 Loughborough Enterprise Belt N 3 Innovation A 42 A
Strategic study M54 to M6/M6 Toll link road Cannock Economic opportunity areas 6 A5 J12 A5 4 Housing and mixed use Lichfield A
11 M
Mixed employment cluster 9 1
4 2
i54 Enterprise Zone 4 4 Urban centre A M Leicester Tamworth International gateway M54 M6 Toll Industrial
Research and technology A5 Dodwells 2 to Longshoot 4 9 M 6 Energy A5 M Greater Golden triangle Wolverhampton (M69, M6 M1), A5 corridor and Intermodal transport hub 9 Hinckley Coventry–Nuneaton–Leicester (M69, Corridor) Logistics 5 Nuneaton M
69 Birmingham M6 M
Birmingham city centre Birmingham
Birmingham Airport and UK Central Coventry A14 Rugby 42 M Coventry A5M1
Figure 4.1 - Investment plans and economic opportunity areas
16 Highways England
South Midlands - Route Strategy: Map 2 of 2 A M5 5 M1 M6
69 Birmingham M
A 4 5 Birmingham 2 M6 2 Birmingham Airport A45 Coventry KEY and UK Central A14 42 M A46 Coventry Highways England junction upgrades Rugby A major improvement project 5 A Innovation 4 M42 5 DIRFT Strategic study Coventry 17 Redditch Economic opportunity areas M45 Warwick Housing and mixed use
Mixed employment cluster 15 Urban centre M 1
International gateway M 5 Industrial Worcester Growth Corridor A46 Research and technology Worcester M 4 Energy 0 Stratford- Intermodal transport hub upon-Avon Evesham Logistics
M50
9
M5 M40
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.
A 3 5 8 5 0 3 A6 M1 4 A A Derby
East Midlands
Burton-upon-Trent M 6 Stafford 38 Loughborough A A42 A5 – M6 to M42 A38 between A50 and A5 Cannock
6 4 A5 Lichfield A 12 11 M 1 A449 M42 Leicester M54 Tamworth M6 Toll Walsall 10 A5 – M42 to M1 Wolverhampton
42 M Hinckley A5 M69 9
M6 M42 junction 6 Nuneaton 1 1 to junction 10 M
Birmingham M6 M69
A 4 Birmingham 5 2 M6 6 2 A45
A14 42 Coventry M Rugby 1 M A A5 4 M42 5 Coventry 1 17 Redditch M45
Warwick A46 – M40 to M6 15 M 1 M 5 A46 Worcester M 40
Evesham
A46 – M5 to M40
M50 Note: The map presents the extent of study areas within the route. Colours/shading are 9 for presentational purposes only and no prioritisation has been considered at this stage.
M5 M40
Figure 5.1 - Map of all study areas
19 South Midlands Route Strategy
A 3 5 8 5 0 3 A6 M1 4 A38 between A50 and A5 A A Derby
▪▪ Continuation and/or worsening of congestion and associated delays at several junctions along the route. East Midlands ▪▪ RIS1 improvements scheme for the A38 Derby junctions, just north of the route, may attract additional traffic onto Burton-upon-Trentthe A38 route. M 6 Stafford 38 ▪▪ Significant housing developmentsLough bplannedorough in the Lichfield A area willA42 further increase pressure on the A38 and nearby A 3 5 8 5 0 junctions.3 A6 M1 4 A A Cannock ▪▪ ProposedDerby Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) near to A38/A50 junction would increase pressure on the A38. 6 4 A5 Lichfield A 12 ▪▪ An AQMA has been declared along the A38 between 11 Lichfield and Alrewas. Any increaseM in congestion may 1 worsen airE aqualityst Midlan alongds the route. A449 M42 Leicester ▪▪ The HS2 Phase 1 route crosses the A38 in this study M54 Tamworth Burton-upon-Trent M area. Its construction may have major impacts on 6 Stafford M6 Toll the SRN. Walsall 38 Loughborough A 10 Wolverhampton A42
42 M Hinckley Cannock A5 M69
6 9 4 A5 Lichfield A 12 M42 junction 6 to junction 10 M6 11 Nuneaton
M 1 1 1 M
A449 M42 ▪▪ Congestion will continue to be experienced at all Leicester Birmingham M6 M69 junctions in the study area. M54 Tamworth A ▪ Economic growth around Birmingham Airport, UK M6 Toll 4 ▪ Walsall Birmingham 52 Central and regional growth around Tamworth and 10 M6 Wolverhampton 6 2 North Warwickshire Borough close to M42 junctions A45 2 9 and 10 is limited by the performance of the SRN 4 Hinckley M and its capability to facilitate the transportA14 demands 42 Coventry A5 M69 M created byR suchugby growth. 9 ▪▪ The HS2 Phase 1 route runs1 close to, and crosses A5 A Nuneaton M M42 M6 4 the M42 at 3 locations in this study area between 5 1 1 junctions 6 and 9. Its constructionM may have major Coventry impacts1 on the SRN. The Phase 2b route runs close Birmingham 17 Redditch M6 M69to the M42 M45between junctions 9 and 10.
A 4 ▪ An AQMA has been declared along the M42 between Birmingham 5 ▪ 2 junctionsM6 7 and 7A. Increasing congestion could Warwick 6 2 A45 15 further affect air quality along the route. M 1 A14 42 Coventry M M 5 Rugby A46 1 A5 A M Worcester M42 4 M 5 40 Coventry 1 17 Redditch M45
Evesham Warwick 15 M 20 1 M 5 A46 M50 Worcester M 40 9
M5 Evesham M40
M50
9
M5 M40 A 3 5 8 5 0 3 A6 M1 4 A A Derby Highways England
East Midlands
Burton-upon-Trent M 6 Stafford 38 Loughborough A5 – M6 to M42 A A42
Cannock
6 4 A5 Lichfield A 12 11 M 1 A449 M42 Leicester M54 Tamworth M6 Toll Walsall 10 Wolverhampton
42 M Hinckley A5 M69 9
M6 Nuneaton 1 1 ▪▪ Existing regular congestion at junctions may worsen in areas M where there is likely to be future development growth. Birmingham M6 M69 ▪ Congestion at the A5 Churchbridge junction may affect growth ▪ A 4 sites in Cannock included in the local plans. Birmingham 5 2 M6 ▪ Queuing back from M42 junction 10 along the A5 westbound6 2 ▪ A45 impedes flows from the local road network onto the A5 at Stoneydelph, which may restrict growth around Tamworth. A14 42 Coventry M ▪▪ Peak period congestion at the Wall interchange (M6 Toll junction Rugby
T5) and the A5 at Weeford interchange may impact development 1 A5 A M in north-east Birmingham and Lichfield. 4 M42 5 ▪▪ Safety issues at Churchbridge and the Wall and Weeford Coventry interchanges could be exacerbated by future traffic growth. 1 17 Redditch M45 ▪▪ AQMAs are located at several locations along the route, especially the urban areas of Walsall and Cannock. Increasing congestion may worsen the situation for air quality and Warwick noise issues. 15 M 1 ▪ Proposed SRFI at Four Ashes, west of the M6 may increase ▪ M
traffic levels5 on the A5 at Churchbridge. A46 ▪▪ There are continuing severance issues in the study area. Limited Worcester safe crossing points and lack of facilities in the study area M can discourage choice of travel by walking or cycling for the 40 nearby population. ▪▪ HS2 Phase 1 route crosses the A5 east of Weeford Island. Construction period may Eveshamcause traffic congestion.
M50
9
M5 M40 21 A 3 5 8 5 0 3 A6 M1 4 A A Derby
East Midlands
Burton-upon-Trent M 6 Stafford 38 Loughborough A A42
Cannock
6 4 A5 Lichfield A 12 11 M 1 A449 M42 Leicester M54 Tamworth M6 Toll Walsall 10 Wolverhampton
42 M Hinckley A5 M69 9
M6 Nuneaton 1 1 M
Birmingham M6 M69
A 4 Birmingham 5 2 M6 6 2 A45 South Midlands Route Strategy A14 42 Coventry M Rugby 1 A5 A M 4 M42 5 Coventry 1 17 A46 – M5 to M40 Redditch M45
Warwick 15 M 1 M 5 A46 Worcester M 40
Evesham
M50
9
M5 M40 ▪▪ Congestion may worsen as future developments attract more traffic to the area. ▪▪ Any worsening in congestion will also exacerbate queues at junctions. This will be experienced particularly through the centre of Ashchurch and on the Evesham and Stratford bypasses. Any increase in existing journey times will make the A46 a less desirable alternative to the M5/M42/M6 route. ▪▪ Collision risk may increase as a consequence of congestion. Furthermore, driver frustration could be caused due to congestion and single carriageway sections creating limited overtaking opportunities. ▪▪ There could be an increase in adverse noise impacts for those living adjacent to the corridor. ▪▪ Severance for non-motorised users could worsen at locations where there are no controlled crossing points as traffic increases on the A46.
22 A 3 5 8 5 0 3 A6 M1 4 A A Derby
East Midlands
Burton-upon-Trent M Highways England 6 Stafford 38 Loughborough A A42
Cannock
6 4 A5 Lichfield A 12 A5 – M42 to M1 11 M 1 A449 M42 Leicester M54 Tamworth M6 Toll Walsall 10 Wolverhampton
42 M Hinckley A5 M69 9
M6 Nuneaton 1 1 M
Birmingham M6 M69
A 4 Birmingham 5 2 M6 6 2 A45
A14 42 Coventry M Rugby 1 A5 A M 4 M42 5 Coventry 1 17 Redditch M45
▪▪ Congestion on the A5 may actWa raswick a restriction to growth in the economic opportunity 15 areas Enterprise Zone, rail freight terminals and other developments as set out in local M plans near the route. 1 M 5 A▪▪46 Housing developments planned at various locations in all boroughs through the study area will add to existing congestion issues. Worcester ▪▪ Worsening peak period congestion at junctionsM and on the A5 east of M42. 40 ▪▪ There is the potential to make better use of the A5 in providing resilience to the parallel M6 and the Birmingham Box. ▪ This study area contains some of the worst performing parts of the network for Evesham ▪ road safety. ▪▪ Air quality in the designated AQMAs on the route may worsen with increased traffic and congestion, as might conditions in noise sensitive areas. ▪▪ No improvement or worsening conditions for pedestrians and cyclists crossing or using the corridor to access new housing and employment sites. M50 ▪▪ HS2 Phase 2b route (the eastern leg) is planned to cross the A5 corridor close to M42 junction 10. Its construction period may have major impacts on the SRN. 9
M5 M40
23 A 3 5 8 5 0 3 A6 M1 4 A A Derby
East Midlands
Burton-upon-Trent M 6 Stafford 38 Loughborough A A42
Cannock
6 4 A5 Lichfield A 12 11 M 1 A449 M42 Leicester M54 Tamworth M6 Toll South Midlands Route Strategy Walsall 10 Wolverhampton
42 M Hinckley A5 M69 9
M6 A46 – M40 to M6Nuneaton 1 1 M
There is potential to make better use of the A46, Birmingham M6 M69 ▪▪ enabling wider Midlands movements and providing A 4 Birmingham 5 resilience to the Birmingham Box. 2 M6 6 2 ▪▪ The existing congestion may worsen, exacerbating A45 queues at junctions (particularly at the A46 junction at Stoneleigh and LeamingtonA14 Road, mainline queuing on 42 Coventry M the A46, and also at the approaches to the junction with Rugby the A45). 1 A5 A M M42 4 ▪▪ The severity and frequency of collisions could worsen, 5 in relation to the presence of and/or layout of the layby Coventry 1 north of1 7the A4177 near Warwick and queuing from Redditch M45 slip roads. ▪▪ Continued severance issues for non-motorised users, making it difficult for them to cross the A46. Particularly Warwick at the A46 junction with Leamington Road (A452) where 15 the A46 currently seversM the link between Leamington 1 and Kenilworth. M 5 A46 ▪▪ The HS2 Phase 1 route crosses the A46 in this study area between Kenilworth and Coventry. Its construction Worcester may have major impacts on the SRN. M 40
Evesham
M50
9
M5 M40
24 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.
25 South Midlands 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.
26 27 If you need help accessing this or any other Highways England information, please call 0300 123 5000 and we will help you.
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