GOVERNMENT funding for road safety in the West Midlands along the HS2 route has been announced today.
An extra £30 million for improvements for cyclists and motorists along phase one of the planned HS2 route has been awarded as part of National Road Safety Week.
A total of £13 million has been granted to the West Midlands, which includes £2.4 million for improving infrastructure in Solihull.
The Department for Transport today (Friday, November 24) confirmed the extra cash for towns and villages along the High Speed 2 route between London and the West Midlands.
Funding for 13 areas has been revealed by HS2 Minister Paul Maynard.
The money can be used for traffic calming measures, safer pedestrian crossings and junctions for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers.
The £13million is being distributed to Birmingham, Solihull and Warwickshire councils. Warwickshire will get £8 million, Birmingham £2.6 million and Solihull £2.4 million.
The government claims it wants to ensure HS2 is more than building a new railway. It wants it to be a catalyst for economic growth, driving regeneration as well as improving transport infrastructure around the track.
Mr Maynard said: “This significant investment will mean a legacy of road and cycle safety improvements for people who live and work along the HS2 route between London and the West Midlands.
“HS2 will become the backbone of our national rail network – supporting growth and regeneration and helping us build a Britain fit for the future. As part of Europe’s biggest infrastructure project, we are minimising the effects of building the new railway as much as possible.
“This money for the West Midlands will see areas up and down the route benefit from high quality road and cycle safety projects to ensure that England’s roads remain among the safest in the world.”
Mark Thurston, HS2 chief executive, said: “Safety, environmental protection and being sensitive to the impact of our work on local communities are at the heart of HS2’s approach to construction.
“That’s why we welcome today’s announcement and we look forward to working with local highways authorities along the route.
“We all have a responsibility to ensure that the new funding leaves a positive local legacy of improved road safety for communities once HS2 is complete.”
Once local authorities have agreed plans for projects, they will arrange the release of funds with HS2 Ltd.
Authorities must ensure improvements leave a lasting legacy of road safety.
Royal Assent was granted for phase one of HS2 in February this year.
Preparatory works have been underway since then, including archaeological surveys and the creation of new wildlife habitats.
On November 9 this year, HS2 Ltd announced a £5million Woodland Fund to help landowners create new native, broadleaf woodlands and restore existing ancient woodland sites along the route.
