Funding earmarked for Solihull transport projects

More than £98m has been earmarked for major projects designed to boost Solihull’s transport network.The West Midlands City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) is a five-year capital settlement aimed at supporting the region to implement a sustainable transport investment programme. The fund is overseen by the Department for Transport (DfT).Working with individual councils and transport authorities across the region, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) coordinated and submitted a bid to the DfT securing a total funding allocation of £1.05bn for the West Midlands.A report which went to the cabinet member for environment and infrastructure earlier this week outlined the list of Solihull schemes the funding could support.In total, ten Solihull schemes could receive a boost from CRSTS and receive full funding or funding for further work to take place:• West Coast Mainline and M42 public transport and active travel bridge links to HS2 InterchangeCouncillor Ken Hawkins, environment and infrastructure portfolio, Solihull Council, said: “This huge funding settlement has the potential to a boost the region’s transport network and, I’m thrilled that so many of the high priority schemes are here in Solihull.”These exciting and ambitious transport schemes will make a real difference to our communities. They could improve access to jobs, attract further investment and ensure our transport system responds to changing future demand. The fixed term nature of this funding will give us the certainty we need to get on with delivering these schemes.”I’m grateful for the hard work of our officers in transport for pulling together such thorough and detailed programme.”