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The strategic transport interventions which would help realise the region’s immense economic potential are showcased in a series of brochures published today by England’s Economic Heartland.

The Connecting Economies documents provide an accessible compendium of both evidence and asks to government, which England’s Economic Heartland, its local and combined authority partners, MPs, private sector and others can use to make the case for improved connectivity and infrastructure investment in our region.

Each contains expert insight from Cambridge Econometrics on the economic potential of seven corridors within the region, followed by a selection of transport interventions which our evidence base suggests would unlock economic growth along them.

The corridors featured in the brochures, which are largely based on the geographies of our connectivity studies, are:

Peterborough-Northampton-Oxford

EEH South (Buckinghamshire/Central Bedfordshire/ Luton/ Hertfordshire)

Northampton-Buckinghamshire-Thames Valley

Swindon-Didcot-Oxford

Milton Keynes

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

Luton-Bedford-Corby (to be published December 2024)

Cambridge Econometrics’ analysis considers the prime sector strengths of each corridor, alongside how improved connectivity could benefit productivity, cluster agglomeration, innovation, access to commercial space and housing, and freight and logistics.

Buckinghamshire Council has announced the South-East Aylesbury Link Road (SEALR) is progressing well. A new contractor, Gaillford Try, has been appointed to complete the remainder of the largest section of the scheme.

The link road is being built in to sections which will link to form 1.1 miles of new dual carriageway with three new roundabouts and a bride over the railway line to London. Both sections are advancing well and are on track to be completed within the next two years.

The project aims to ease congestion in Aylesbury by providing a new route around the town, significantly easing congestion through the town centre and delivering new local cycling and walking routes.

Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, Cllr Martin Tett said: "We urgently need the right infrastructure in place in Aylesbury and this is a key part of that, being directly delivered by the council.”

Read more here

Representatives from EEH lectured undergraduate planning students at Oxford Brookes University earlier this week.

The session discussed the important role of strategic transport infrastructure development, with a specific emphasis on the East West Rail project. Students engaged in discussion about how schemes are developed and the opportunities and challenges this brings.

In addition to discussing the technical aspects of transport infrastructure, EEH also shared insights into career opportunities within the sector. The EEH Early Careers Network was highlighted, showcasing the support that provides for all transport professionals who consider themselves early in their careers. 

Recently, EEH welcomed two enthusiastic students to learn about the work of sub-national transport bodies and strategic transport planning. The students were given an in-depth look at EEH’s initiatives, including key projects aimed at improving regional connectivity and sustainability.

During their visit, the two students shared their individual perspectives on public transport, offering valuable insights from a young person's perspective.

Read the full blogs here

As part of our centre of excellence offer, we are committed to sharing opportunities for free learning and development from across the transport sector – here’s some upcoming sessions we’ve spotted:

See below for opportunities in the region

Senior Project Manager, Cambridgeshire County Council, Closing: 31/10/24

Newsletter produced by England's Economic Heartland sub-national transport body, based at Buckinghamshire Council, Walton Street, Aylesbury. Email businessunit@englandseconomicheartland.com for general enquiries.