South Midlands Route Strategy March 2017
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
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
i
Route London to Scotland East
strategies London Orbital and M23
London to Scotland Wes
t
to Gatwick
London to Wales
The division of routes for
the Felixstowe to Midlands
programme of route stra
tegies on the Solent to Midlands
Strategic Road Network
M25 to Solent (A3 and
M3)
Kent Corridor to M25 (M2
and M20)
South Coast Central
Birmingham to Exeter
A1 South West Peninsula
London to Leeds (East)
East of England
South Pennines
A19
A69
Newcastle upon Tyne North Pennines
Carlisle A1 Sunderland Midlands to Wales and
Gloucestershire
M6
North and East Midlands
A66 A1(M)
A595 South Midlands
Middlesbrough
A66 A174
A590 A19
A1
A64
A585 M6
Iris h Se a Leeds
York
M55
M65 M606 M621 M1
Preston Kingston upon Hull
A56 M62 A63
M62
M61 A1
M58
Liverpool Manchester A628
M1
M18
A180
Grimsby
No rth Se a
A616 M180
M57
M62 M60 A1(M)
M53 Sheffield
A556
M56
M6 A46
A55 Lincoln
A1
A500
Stoke-on-Trent A38 M1
Nottingham
A52
Derby
A50
A483
A5 A453
A38 A42 A46
A458 M54
A5 A47 Norwich
M42 Leicester A47
M6 M6 Toll
M69 A1
Birmingham M6 Peterborough A12
A5
M5 M42 A14 A1(M)
Coventry A11
A49 M45
M1 A45 A14
Worcester A14
A46 A5 A428 Cambridge
A421
M40 A1
A11
M50 Ipswich
A43 Milton A12 A14
A40 Keynes
A40 Gloucester A417 M1 A1(M) A120
A5
A120
Oxford M11
M5 A34 M25
M48
A419
M40 A12
M4 Swindon
M4 A404
M4 Southend-on-Sea
Bristol M32 Reading London A13
M4
M2 A249
A34
M5 A36
A303 M3 M25 M26
A2
M20
A3 Crawley M23
A36
A303 A21 A20
A23
Folkestone
Yeovil A31 A259
M27 A3(M)
Exeter A27
A30
A30 A27
Portsmouth Brighton A259
A35
Torquay
A30 Plymouth A38
En gli sh
h Ch an ne l
0 kilometres
60
0 miles
40
Highways Agency medi © Crown copyright and
a services MCR N130206 database rights 2015 Ordn
ance Survey 10003064
9
ii
1iii
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.
12
South Midlands Route Strategy
RIS1 Strategic Vision as reiterated in “RIS
Purpose of Route Strategies Post 2020: Planning ahead”
RIS1 Strategic Vision as reiterated in “RIS
Route Strategies provide a high level view of the current Post 2020: Planning ahead”
performance of the SRN as well as issues perceived by Economy Environment
our stakeholders that affect the network. They are one of
the key components of research required for developing Economy Environment
the RIS. This suite of Route Strategies builds upon the Network
capability Integration
analysis underpinning the first set of Route Strategies
Network
undertaken between 2013 to 2015, which together Integration
capability
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 keySupporting
outcomes economic growth through a modernised
and reliable network that reduces delays, creates jobs
▪▪ shape our investment priorities to improve the service and helps business compete and opens up new areas
Supporting economic growth through a modernised
for road users and support a growing economy for development
and reliable network that reduces delays, creates jobs
▪▪ help inform the next RIS1 and helps business compete and opens up new areas
More free-flowing network where routine delays
for development
are more infrequent, and where journeys are safer
and more reliable
More free-flowing network where routine delays
Strategic themes are more infrequent, and where journeys are safer
andSafe
moreandreliable
serviceable network where no one
The Government’s vision for transforming the SRN is should be harmed when travelling or working on
described in the Road Investment Strategy post 2020: the network
Safe and serviceable network where no one
Planning Ahead document available on www.gov.uk. This should be harmed when travelling or working on
theImproved
network environment where the impact of our
vision builds on the 5 broad aims published in the Road activities is further reduced, ensuring a long-term and
Investment Strategy for 2015-2020: economy; network sustainable benefit to the environment
Improved environment 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 More accessible
sustainable andenvironment
benefit to the integrated network that
gives people 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 across and
More accessible and integrated network that
other 17 Route Strategies, we will develop proposals that alongside the network
gives people the freedom to choose their mode of
can help bring the Government’s vision for roads to life. transport and enable safe movement across and
alongside the network
Figure 1.2 - Highways England strategic outcomes
See Chapter 6 for more information on the next RIS
1
2Highways 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 3,487 79%
Completed interviews
where users and other stakeholders feel investment
is needed. 3,487 79%
322 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 407
206 9%
5%
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%
individual points were raised by external stakeholders.
Business 1,367 31%
Business
Leisure 1,367
2,457 31%
56%
233 354 Figure 1.4 - Driver sample breakdown
Leisure 2,457 from a56%
250 fleet managers mix
Business
of industries, size and regions
Local authority 250 fleet managers from a mix
716
STBs/LEPs of industries, size and regions
Individuals
Others The research found that the South Midlands route was
1,233 well rated, with 61% of users rating their experience of
166
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.
3South 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
4Highways 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
5South 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.
6Highways 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
78
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.
9South 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.
10Highways England
South Midlands - Route Strategy: Map 1 of 2
A6 M1
53
8
A5
A3
A4
0
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 and Tamworth network pressures Burton (Clay Mills
close to the A5 on the A38 Loughborough
6
and Branston)
8
A3
2
A4
A5/M6T/A34/A460 Capacity issues at several
Churchbridge junction is junctions on the A38 Construction of HS2 will
a barrier to pedestrians potentially increase traffic
42
and cyclists
A5 Cannock
flows and congestion on
M
the A38, M42 and A5
6
Lichfield
A4
Local development around
M42 junction 10 will
Development of 11 increase existing network
rail freight hubs
M
pressures on the junction
1
A449
will increase
freight traffic
Leicester
M
flows where
6
they connect to M54 Tamworth Many at-grade
To
the route junctions on the A5
ll
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
42
Hinckley Development at MIRA Enterprise
69
M
A5 Zone in Nuneaton will increase
M
Expansion of existing rail
capacity pressures locally
freight hub will increase
Regular congestion 9
freight traffic flows where
issues between M42
they connect to the route
junctions 9 and 10 Local development in North Nuneaton Significant housing planned
Warks and Nuneaton & next to A5 north of Hinckley
5
M
Bedworth will increase
Local development around M42 network pressures on the A5
KEY junction 9 will put pressure on an Along the A5, severance issues
69
already congested network M6 exist between communities and
M
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 Nuneaton
42
M
(see Map 2)
Coventry
A5M1
(see Map 2)
Figure 3.1 - Key challenges for the route
11South Midlands Route Strategy
South Midlands - Route Strategy: Map 2 of 2 ( s e e Ma p 1) ( s e e Ma p 1) ( s e e Ma p 1) ( s e e Ma p 1)
M5 M1
A5
M6 Construction of HS2 is likely
to affect the M42 between
69
Birmingham junctions 6 and 7
M
M42
Birmingham
A4
KEY M6
52
International
2
A45
Coventry
Supporting economic growth
Construction of HS2 is likely A14
to increase traffic flows and
Free-flowing network congestion on the A46
Safe and serviceable network Rugby
A5
Severance problems for
Improved environment M42
A4
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
Stratford-upon-Avon
M
1
M5
A46
Worcester Concentration of Stratford-
Noise Important
upon-Avon
M
Areas on the A46
40
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
Proposed growth adjacent to the corridor
approaches in peak times. 9 will put further pressure on the route
Congestion at this junction
and along the A46 and
A483 causes queuing which
backs onto the M5 mainline
M5 M40
Figure 3.2 - Key challenges for the route
12Highways 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
13South 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.
14Highways 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
Highways England has been working with a wide range
Innovation
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
15South Midlands Route Strategy
South Midlands - Route Strategy: Map 1 of 2
A6 M1
53
8
A3
A4
A5
0
East Midlands
KEY
A38 and Birmingham's
Highways England Housing Market
M
6
major improvement project Loughborough
8
A3
Enterprise Belt N
Innovation
2
A4
Strategic study M54 to M6/M6
Toll link road Cannock
Economic opportunity areas
A5 J12 A5
6
Housing and mixed use Lichfield
A4
11
Mixed employment cluster
M
A449
1
42
i54 Enterprise Zone
Urban centre
M
Leicester
M54 Tamworth
International gateway
M6 Toll
Industrial
Research and technology A5 Dodwells
to Longshoot
42
69
Energy
M
A5 Greater Golden triangle
M
Wolverhampton (M69, M6 M1), A5 corridor and
Intermodal transport hub 9 Hinckley Coventry–Nuneaton–Leicester
(M69, Corridor)
Logistics Nuneaton
5
M
69
Birmingham M6
M
Birmingham city centre Birmingham
Birmingham Airport
and UK Central A14
Coventry
Rugby
42
Coventry
M
A5M1
Figure 4.1 - Investment plans and economic opportunity areas
16Highways England
South Midlands - Route Strategy: Map 2 of 2
M5 M1
A5
M6
69
Birmingham
M
A4
Birmingham M6
52
2
Birmingham Airport A45
Coventry
KEY and UK Central
A14
42
A46 Coventry
M
junction upgrades
Highways England
Rugby
major improvement project
A5
Innovation M42
A4
DIRFT
5
Strategic study Coventry
17
Economic opportunity areas
Redditch M45
Warwick
Housing and mixed use
Mixed employment cluster
15
Urban centre
M
1
International gateway
M5
Industrial Worcester Growth Corridor
A46
Research and technology Worcester
M
Energy
40
Stratford-
Intermodal transport hub upon-Avon
Evesham
Logistics
M50
9
M5 M40
Figure 4.2 Investment plans and economic opportunity areas
1718
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.
A6 M1
53
8
A5
A3
A4
0
Derby
East Midlands
Burton-upon-Trent
Stafford
M
Loughborough
6
8
A3
2
A4
A5 – M6 to M42 A38 between
Cannock
A50 and A5
A5
6
Lichfield
A4
12
11
A449
M
1
42
M
Leicester
M54 Tamworth
M6 Toll
Walsall A5 – M42 to M1
10
Wolverhampton
42
Hinckley
M
69
A5
M
9
M6 M42 junction 6 Nuneaton
1
M1
to junction 10
Birmingham
69
M6
M
Birmingham
A4
M6
52
6 2
A45
Coventry A14
42
M
Rugby
A5
M1
M42
A4
5
Coventry
1 17
Redditch M45
Warwick A46 – M40 to M6
15
M
1
M5
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
19South Midlands Route Strategy
A6 M1
53
8
A5
A3
A4
A38 between A50 and A5
0
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-Trent
the A38 route.
▪▪ Significant housing developments planned in the Lichfield
Loughborough
8
A3
area will further increase pressure on the A38 and nearby
42
8A
junctions. A6 M1
53
A5
A3
A4
0
ock ▪▪ ProposedDerby
Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) near
to A38/A50 junction would increase pressure on the A38.
6
Lichfield
▪▪
A4
An AQMA has been declared along the A38 between
11 Lichfield and Alrewas. Any increase in congestion may
worsen airEast Midlands
M
quality along the route.
1
42
M
Tamworth ▪▪ The HS2 Phase 1 route crosses the A38Leicester
Burton-upon-Trent in this study
area. Its construction may have major impacts on
rd M6 Toll the SRN.
Walsall Loughborough
8
A3
10
2
A4
42
Hinckley
M
69
Cannock A5
M
9
M42Lichfield
junction 6 to junction 10
6
A4
M6 11 Nuneaton
1
M1
M
▪▪
1
Congestion will continue to be experienced at all
42
M
Birmingham junctions in the study area. Leicester
69
Tamworth M6
M
M6 Toll ▪▪ Economic growth around Birmingham Airport, UK
Birmingham
A4
Walsall Central and regional growth around Tamworth and
M6
52
10
6 2 North Warwickshire Borough close to M42 junctions
A45
9 and 10 is limited by the performance of the SRN
42
andHinckley
its capability to facilitate the transport demands
M
A14
69
Coventry A5
M
42
created byRugby
such growth.
M
9
▪▪ The HS2 Phase 1 route runs close to, and crosses
A5
M1
M42 M6 Nuneaton
the M42 at 3 locations in this study area between
A4
1 6 and 9. Its construction may have major
M1
junctions
5
Coventry impacts
1 on the SRN. The
17 Phase 2b route runs close
Redditch Birmingham
69
M6 to the M42 M45
between junctions 9 and 10.
M
Birmingham
▪▪ An AQMA has been declared along the M42 between
A4
junctions
M6 7 and 7A. Increasing congestion could
52
6 Warwick
2further affect air quality along the route.
A45 15
M
Coventry A14
1
42
M
Rugby
A46
A5
M1
M42
A4
5
M
40
Coventry
1 17
Redditch M45
vesham
Warwick
15
20
M
1A6 M1
A5
A3
A4
0
Derby
Highways England
East Midlands
Burton-upon-Trent
Stafford
M
Loughboro
6
A5 – M6 to M42
8
A3
2
A4
Cannock
A5 Lichfield
12
11
A449
M
1
42
M
M54 Tamworth
M6 Toll
Walsall
10
Wolverhampton
42
Hinckley
M
69
A5
M
9
M6 Nuneaton
1
▪▪ Existing regular congestion at junctions may worsen in areas
where there is likely to be future development
Birmingham growth.
69
M6
M
▪▪ Congestion at the A5 Churchbridge junction may affect growth
sites in Cannock included in the local plans. Birmingham
A4
M6
52
▪▪ Queuing back from M42 junction 10 along the A5 westbound 6
A45
2
impedes flows from the local road network onto the A5 at
Stoneydelph, which may restrict growth around Tamworth. Coventry
42
▪▪
M
Peak period congestion at the Wall interchange (M6 Toll junction Rugby
T5) and the A5 at Weeford interchange may impact development
A5
in north-east Birmingham and Lichfield.
M42
A4
▪▪
5
Safety issues at Churchbridge and the Wall and Weeford Coventry
1 1
interchanges could be exacerbated
Redditchby future traffic growth. 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
▪▪ Proposed SRFI at Four Ashes, west of the M6 may increase
traffic levels on the A5 at Churchbridge.
M5
A46
▪▪ There are continuing severance issues in the study area. Limited
Worcester
safe crossing points and lack of facilities in the study area
can discourage choice of travel by walking or cycling for the
M
40
nearby population.
▪▪ HS2 Phase 1 route crosses the A5 east of Weeford Island.
Construction period may Evesham
cause traffic congestion.
M50
9
M5 M40 21Birmingham
45
M6
2
6 2
A45
South Midlands Route Strategy
Coventry
42
M
Rugby
A5
M42
A4
5
Coventry
1
Redditch
A46 – M5 to M40 M45
Warwick
15
M5
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.
22East Midlands
Burton-upon-Trent
Highways England
Loughborough
8
A3
2
A4
6
Lichfield
A4
A5 – M42 to M1 11
M
1
42
M
Leicester
Tamworth
M6 Toll
10
42
Hinckley
M
69
A5
M
9
M6 Nuneaton
1
M1
gham
69
M6
M
Birmingham
A4
M6
52
6 2
A45
Coventry A14
42
M
Rugby
A5
M1
A4
5
Coventry
1 17
M45
▪▪ Congestion on the A5 may act Warwick
as 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
▪▪ Housing developments planned at various locations in all boroughs through the study
A46
area will add to existing congestion issues.
▪▪ Worsening peak period congestion at junctions and on the A5 east of M42.
M
▪▪
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
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.
▪▪ 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.
M40
234
M
Leicester
Tamworth
South Midlands Route Strategy
10
42
Hinckley
M
69
A5
M
9
A46 – M40 to M6
Nuneaton
1
M1
▪▪ There is potential to make better use of the A46,
69
M6
M enabling wider Midlands movements and providing
resilience to the Birmingham Box.
A4
M6
52
6 2 ▪▪ The existing congestion may worsen, exacerbating
A45 queues at junctions (particularly at the A46 junction at
Coventry Stoneleigh and Leamington
A14 Road, mainline queuing on
the A46, and also at the approaches to the junction with
Rugby
the A45).
A5
M1
▪▪ The severity and frequency of collisions could worsen,
A4
in relation to the presence of and/or layout of the layby
5
Coventry north of17the A4177 near Warwick and queuing from
1
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 severs the link between Leamington
M
and Kenilworth.
1
▪▪ The HS2 Phase 1 route crosses the A46 in this study
area between Kenilworth and Coventry. Its construction
may have major impacts on the SRN.
M
40
M40
24Highways 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
Road Investment Strategy (RIS2). ▪▪Highways England produces
(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
Strategic Business Plan
the state of the network and how we can ensure that (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
and published
problems on parts of the network and how to tackle
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.
25South Midlands Route Strategy
In the final mobilisation 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.
2627
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 psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk.
This document is also available on our website at www.gov.uk/highways
If you have any enquiries about this publication email info@highwaysengland.co.uk
or call 0300 123 5000*. Please quote the Highways England publications code PR232/16
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 09346363You can also read
