£43 million for projects to keep the West Midlands moving

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is this week set to consider a £43 million investment in ten congestion busting projects (November 6th).The money from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund would be used to support a range of road, rail, tram, bus and cycling projects.Grants of between £237,000 and £10 million will be put before the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board for approval on Friday, November 9.Among the projects being supported are:Cycling programme – £6 million for cycle routes across the regionBirchley Island – Sandwell Council will be awarded £7.4 million towards work to increase capacity and cut congestion at the busy roundabout near to the M5 junction 2Dudley Interchange – a £10 million grant will help fund a new £18 million bus and metro stationB4106 Spon End – Coventry City Council will receive £5.8 million to support work to ease congestion on this key commuter routeUniversity Rail Station – £3 million towards redevelopmentBirmingham City Centre – £5 million towards improvements to New Street, High Street and Victoria Square to create walkable links between bus, tram and rail services and replace the unsightly security barriers with something more fittingFurther projects will see funds invested in highway improvements, cleaner buses and the planned Regional Transport Coordination Centre – which will monitor and act on congestion.