
Stoke and Staffordshire A50 transport vision
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are at the heart of the national transport network. It is imperative that we enhance multi-modal connectivity within our area so that our economy continues to grow and remains strong, enabling the delivery of the Government’s five missions.
Our strategic location with access to major national routes such as the M6, A50 and the West Coast Main Line (WCML) emphasises our importance for UK freight, industry and employment, bringing local economic benefits, alongside extra through traffic.
Our strategic transport network provides links to our neighbouring authorities (see wider context diagram). It highlights where the rail network runs parallel to our strategic and major road networks, offering strong potential for modal shift from road to rail, and network resilience. This is particularly evident for north to east and north to south movements, between northern Staffordshire and Derbyshire, and northern Staffordshire and the West Midlands conurbation. Conversely, it identifies the lack of east to west public transport connections.
Opportunities
Northern Cross Boundary Transport Package
The Northern Cross Boundary Transport Package focuses on enhancing connectivity between Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Moorlands. The three local authority areas rely on each other for jobs and local services.
North Staffordshire Bus Rapid Transport System
Making buses faster, more reliable, more frequent and run at the right times and are seen as safe, clean and welcoming will make them a viable alternative to private transport.
Delivery of a Bus Rapid Transit network, through an enhanced road management system which privileges bus services so passengers move quickly across the city with minimal delay, can become the backbone of North Staffordshire’s public transport network, significantly improving public transport connectivity between key urban centres and by extension, deliver multiple benefits for human health, the environment and the local economy.
M6 Junction 15 upgrade
To improve efficiency and safety at this important junction which serves as a key link between local and national networks (see diagram of J15 of M6).
North to East Multi-Modal Transport Corridor
The North to East Multi-Modal Transport Corridor focuses on enhancing connectivity between Stoke-on-Trent, East Staffordshire and Derbyshire. East Staffordshire and Derbyshire local authority areas particularly rely on each other for jobs and local services. Key interventions along this corridor include:
Fifty500 Economic Growth Project
Transport improvements to support the growth in sustainable jobs along the A50, including JCB’s contribution to growth in the hydrogen industry helping to make Britain a clean energy superpower. Measures include optimising the flow of traffic and improving safety at the A500/A50 Sideway, A50 Blythe Bridge and A50 Uttoxeter (McDonalds Roundabout) junctions.
Rail capacity and service improvements
Rail capacity and service improvements to encourage a modal shift away from the A50 and provision of sustainable access to jobs along the A50 corridor, benefitting the Fifty500 Project and decarbonisation agenda. This will be alongside enhancements to rail stations, improving sustainable travel choices for the residents of Uttoxeter and Burton upon Trent.
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