Uttoxeter’s MP, Kate Griffiths, has held a meeting with the Roads Minister, Baroness Vere of Norbition over the proposed ‘Project B’ upgrades to the A50 junction to the east of Uttoxeter. Project A, which has already been successfully delivered, has seen major improvements and reconfigurations to the west of Uttoxeter A50 junction and Project B would see further developments to the east.
The meeting follows after it was announced that the developments would not be included in the Government’s Road Investment Strategy 2 (RIS2): 2020 TO 2025 due to substantial increased costs. However, the Minister agreed to meet with Kate to discuss what could be done to ensure these plans do go ahead but at better value for money.
During the meeting, Kate and the Minister discussed possible feasibility studies and scoping work to identify how the ‘oven ready’ project could be delivered whilst improving its cost effectiveness. Discussions will now be taken forward including Kate, Staffordshire County Council, Midlands Connect and Highways England to make an economic case for this road investment.
Kate said, “I am grateful to the Minister for agreeing to meet with me and to discuss these important proposals which would bring significant benefits to Uttoxeter residents and all A50 road users.
“Although it is disappointing this scheme did not make it into RIS2, I am encouraged after meeting with the Minister by her enthusiasm for the continued development of these proposals, which could lead them to becoming reality. This should give us all cause for hope and I will now work alongside local authorities and others to make the case for this investment”.
