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West Midlands Area Multi-Modal Study

Background

The study looked to address congestion and environmental problems in and around Birmingham and the Black Country

Recommendations

The consultants recommended a package of measures including bypasses of Stourbridge and Wolverhampton; M42 widening between the M40 and M6; introduction of active traffic management on motorways in the study area; the introduction of 'red routes' and major heavy rail investment between Coventry and Wolverhampton. It is also clear that behavioural change and demand management are seen as being essential parts of the overall package. Public transport recommendations include extension of the Midland Metro.

Importance to Industry

Congestion on the Midlands 'motorway box' has gained national notoriety and affects business confidence as far away as Scotland the Northwest of England. Congestion is also very apparent in Birmingham City Centre as well as many towns in the Black Country. Such congestion can have a detrimental and devastating affect on business confidence and efficiency. Furthermore, it can constrain economic development and regeneration. It is important that the total package of recommended measures (which include enhancements which would benefit rail freight) are implemented in order to achieve the improvements required to improve and maintain business confidence and efficiency in Birmingham and the Black Country.

Transport infrastructure announcement 9 July 2003

• New motorway link between the M6 Toll road and M54
• M42 widening between junctions 3 to 7 (subject to Active Traffic Management pilot study results i.e. controlled use from next year on the M42 at peak hours of the hard shoulder, under stringent safety conditions, plus variable speed limits and other Active Traffic Management measures)
• Package of major local road and public transport improvements
• Proposed bypasses of Stourbridge and Wolverhampton rejected on environmental grounds (further examination of the needs of the Black Country to take place)

Transport infrastructure announcement 9 July 2003 - industry views

FTA welcomes the announcement about the link between the M54 and M6 Toll road and introduction of Active Traffic Management measures on the M42 which should lead to widening of the M42 between junctions 3 to 7. Industry would also welcome Active Traffic Management measures being extended to cover other sections of the motorway box around Birmingham as soon as possible.

The decision not to progress with bypasses for Stourbridge and Wolverhampton has been met with dismay. The significant problems regarding congestion and access to the Black Country will not go away. Therefore it is vitally important that every effort is put into taking forward the Regional AssemblyÕs study of regeneration in the Black Country as speedily as possible.

Area Map:
Dates:	Reported: October 2001
	Ministerial decision expected: Winter 2002
	Target date for completion of works: 2002 Ð 2021

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Last updated: Wed Feb 4 11:40:30 2004