Transport for the East Midlands and Midlands Connect have come together to prove that improving road and rail links are key to levelling up the East Midlands.
Improved rail connectivity, reduced congestion and safer roads are some of the key takeaways, as both parties shared eight priorities in a recent document that sets out a joint vision for the area. The eight priorities :
- Electrification of the Midland Main Line
- Improved rail connectivity between Nottingham, Leicester and Coventry
- The delivery of HS2 to the East Midlands and Leeds
- Enhancements to the A46 Growth Corridor
- Reducing congestion and improving safety on the A5 Growth Corridor
- Supporting growth and improving reliability throughout the A50/A500 Corridor
- Improving safety and reliability on the A1
- Improving connectivity across EMDevCo and East Midlands Freeport Areas.
Chairman of Midlands Connect, Sir John Peace, said;
“At Midlands Connect, we are committed to working closely with Transport for the East Midlands to help deliver growth opportunities and better connections.
“Investment in this region’s transport will have a remarkable benefit to the whole country and create a positive ripple effect to boost the development of industry, skills and infrastructure.
“Taking forward these joint priorities will help lay the groundwork for improved connectivity across the Midlands, unlocking the potential of major economic hubs such as EMDevCo and the two Freeports - opening the region’s businesses to the world.”
Chair of Transport for the East Midlands and City Mayor for Leicester, Sir Peter Soulsby, said: “The East Midlands has a strong track record in delivering high levels of housing and employment growth in the national interest over many years.
“But with better connectivity, we could do so much more.
“The eight strategic priorities Transport for the East Midlands and Midlands Connect have jointly identified will unlock growth across the region and allow our towns and cities to thrive – contributing to the Government’s ‘Levelling Up’ agenda.”
To learn more about the shared vision that Transport for the East Midlands and Midlands Connect have for the area, visit emcouncils.gov.uk.
