A tram system and enhanced bus networks are among the long-term options on the table for Warrington as it bids to improve public transport services.
Councillors on the supporting the local economy policy committee will be provided with updates on strategic infrastructure and transport during a virtual meeting next Wednesday, February 24.
Following the adoption of the local transport plan, LTP4, by full council in December 2019, study work is now under way to develop schemes and initiatives to deliver the aims and objectives set out in the policy documents.
The key study work includes the development of a ‘first and last mile’ masterplan to improve accessibility to, from and around the town centre – with a specific focus on supporting walking, cycling and public transport.
The work will identify concept designs for key locations, junctions and underpin later business case work.
Meanwhile, other key work includes a bus priority/mass transit study to look at enhancements to bus priority improvements that can be delivered in the short to medium term, along with identifying a potential long-term mass transit network in the town.
A report to the committee says mass transit is about delivering quick, high quality, high frequency, low emission public transport services.
It adds that this could be delivered by enhanced bus service networks, a dedicated guided bus system, or a light rail transit or tram system.
Engineering firm AECOM has been appointed to undertake this study and started work in July.
It has commenced a review of the mass transit network proposed in LTP4 and is considering modes for a future mass transit system.
A draft final report is anticipated for the early part of 2021.
Furthermore, in relation to an electric vehicle strategy, a study is under way to look at how Warrington can best support a move to lower emission vehicles and where investment can be best targeted in the short term.
The first draft of the report has been reviewed and an updated version is due back from the consultants imminently, with an intention to consult on this in the summer.
The report also highlights HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR).
It says: “The council’s position on HS2 remains unchanged – it supports HS2 however it opposes the Golborne link section of the route given its substantial economic and environmental impact on Warrington, combined with it in isolation having what the council believes is a very weak business case, representing poor value for money.
“However, it is important that if the Golborne link does in the end go ahead that officers continue to liaise with HS2 Limited on a wide range of issues associated with the scheme detail including lobbying for Wigshaw Lane (a key route connecting Croft with Culcheth) not to be severed by the scheme and for the impact of the scheme to be reduced on the cemetery at Hollins Green.
“Potentially NPR could bring a truly transformational improvement to rail journey times, frequencies and capacity across the north of England, with Warrington being included as a key part of this scheme.”
Article originally appeared on Warrington Guardian.
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