The Department for Transport and Highways England have released fresh research and analysis to help build the foundations of the Road Investment Strategy 2 (RIS 2) for the strategic road network post-2020.
While many in the highways sector will be glad of the ambition the projects show, the plans have drawn criticism from sustainability campaigners and warnings from contractors that public sector procurement is at 'crisis point'.
The latest research from three of the six strategic studies that will inform the RIS 2 spending plans for Highways England, provided a shortlist of Trans-Pennine tunnel routes and supported better in east to west connectivity around Cambridge and Oxford and improvements to the A1.
The planned dualled Oxford-Milton Keynes-Cambridge Expressway, says the Department, will cut journey times by 30 minutes. It will also support the delivery of 230,000 homes and 270,000 jobs along the corridor planned for 2031.
But the Campaign for Better Transport (CBT) calls it 'a disappointing return to predict and provide policies of the past'.
Spokesperson Bridget Fox said: 'Creating new homes and new jobs in this area need not require massive new road construction in the countryside, with motorway-style routes excluding cyclists and bus users. Plans for east-west rail give an opportunity to embrace truly sustainable development'.
In April 2016, the East-West Rail Consortium of 17 local authorities, working with Network Rail, announced its preferred option for the Bedford-Sandy-Cambridge central section. The first phase, opening in December 2016, will link Oxford city centre directly with London Marylebone.
Ms Fox also stressed that both Oxford and Cambridge have pioneered transport policies based on alternatives to car dependency. 'To build new connections drawing more traffic risks undermining their achievements.'
While welcoming the road plans, the Civil Engineering Contractors Association called on the Government to engage more effectively in procurement.
Spokesperson Marie-Claude Hemming told Transport Network: 'Delays can result from a lack of insight from the supply chain. Public sector procurement in the UK has reached crisis point, with the process now the most expensive and one of the lengthiest in Europe'.
The DfT has also short-listed five route options for a 29km Trans-Pennine Tunnel between Manchester-Sheffield road tunnel.
A Highways England report suggests adorning the tunnel's route with artificial palm trees and roof projections of clouds, to prevent drivers developing claustrophobia, disorientation and tiredness - citing Norwegian and Chinese experience.
Surveyor's Highways Management 2016 conference in Coventry on 20-21 September will examine the key challenges facing the UK highways sector, both local and national, by addressing the legislative, economic and environmental factors that will influence the delivery of local highways management.
For the full progamme and to register click here. Early bird discounts are still available.
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
