Network Rail has published a new report, ‘Traction Decarbonisation Network Strategy’, outlining its intention for rail services to be electrified or running on hydrogen and battery power by 2050.
The report indicates that there could be 7,270 miles of electrification, 250 miles of battery power and 560 miles of hydrogen-operated lines. Furthermore, there is an additional 1,430 miles of track for which there is currently “no clear” technical choice.
Recommendations in the West Midlands include the electrification of the lines running between Birmingham and Derby, Leicester, Nuneaton, and Shrewsbury via Wolverhampton. It is also proposed that a North Birmingham freight corridor should also be electrified and made available for new passenger services.
As well as improving reliability and faster journeys, the proposed measures also reflect legislative targets by the UK Government to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Announced last year, the Government stipulated that all diesel-only trains are to be removed from the network by 2040 in England and Wales.
Plans to regenerate Becketwell, one of Derby city centre’s strategic development sites, have taken an important step forward. Leeds-based developer St James Securities has submitted a reserved matters planning application for detailed planning consent for 259 apartments.
Subject to receiving approval, building work could commence in spring 2021.
The development is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs, with plans to create offices and commercial space, as well as a new 3,500-capacity performance and conference area.
The developer has partnered with Derby City Council to bring forward the £200m scheme. Clearance of the site has already begun, with the former Debenhams store demolished earlier this year.
West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) has unveiled a £9 million road improvement plan for North Leeds. It is intended that works to the A660 and A61 will reduce pollution and car usage, and instead make the roads more friendly for pedestrians and cyclists.
Under the current proposals, the A660 Headingley Hills scheme will include a new bus lane, cycle lanes, and pedestrian crossings. Improvements will be undertaken between Orville Gardens and St Michael’s Road. The scheme is projected to cost £5.1 million, with decision-makers expected to authorise the completion of a full business case.
The second scheme, the A61 North Scheme, will include priority measures for walking and cycling along the A61 corridor, between Potternewton Lane and Harewood Junction. If given the go-ahead, both schemes are expected to be completed before November 2021.
A new link road and roundabout has opened in Darlington, subsequently unlocking the development potential of a key gateway site. The scheme, funded by a £2.8m grant from Homes England, will facilitate the development of approximately 1,200 homes at the proposed West Park Garden Village.
The new highway runs through the development site and links Edward Pease Way with Newton Lane. It is intended that the scheme will reduce traffic volume issues on the A68.
The new road is a vital piece of infrastructure in the joint partnership venture between Darlington Borough Council and Esh Homes. The new road comprises the first phase of the strategic works, enabling 200 houses to be built on Stag House Farm. The development also comprises green spaces, footpaths and cycleways.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that it is now seeking a “simpler and more effective structure” for the rail network, 25 years after the current model of privatisation was adopted.
Owing to the coronavirus pandemic, the department has taken on franchise holders’ revenue and costs risks since March 2020, at a cost thought to be in excess of £3.5bn. The DfT has confirmed that these emergency support measures have been partially extended for up to 18 months, whilst a new structure is finalised and deployed.
It has been announced that a series of new “recovery contracts” will concentrate on high performance targets whilst simplifying journeys and ticketing. According to Keith Williams, who led the Williams Review into Britain’s railways, train firms will be expected to run almost full services, allowing passengers to travel “safely”, whilst the country is expected to face second Covid-19 wave.
Infrastructure View caught up with Rachel Skinner, incoming President of the Institution of Civil Engineers, to find out her perspective on the future of UK infrastructure.
How do 3D city models benefit planning in urban spaces? We consider the benefits and speak to Jason Hawthorne, founder and chief of VU.City.
Martin Williams gives us the background on the large-scale solar market and explains why landowners should be reconsidering it.
We’ve taken office space on the eighth floor of Two Snowhill, Birmingham, to create a permanent base in the city.
In the second in our webinar series, our energy team will outline some of the different ways that landowners can benefit from renewable energy in the current market.
