MORE THAN £10million of funding has been given the green light for transport projects across the West of England.

Approval for the projects, worth more than £17million, was given today during the first meeting of the West of England Joint Committee to improve walking and cycling links, public spaces, public transport and road safety in the region.

Formed of the leaders of South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset Councils, Cllr Matthew Riddle and Cllr Tim Warren, Bristol mayor Marvin Rees and West of England mayor Tim Bowles, the committee is the decision making body for issues relating to the four unitary authorities and the Local Enterprise Partnership.

The projects included £2.8million towards speeding up a strengthening, maintenance and improvement scheme for the Bromley Heath Viaduct reducing the time taken from 52 to 33 weeks.

A new single platform rail station next to the Park and Ride at Portway on the Severn Beach line was also awarded £2.2million.

A further £3.3m was invested into 14 separate transport projects across the region including new cycle paths and bus lane enforcement.

West of England mayor Tim Bowles said: “Through the Local Growth Fund the Joint Committee can approve projects that will deliver much needed infrastructure for the region. Today we’ve approved a range of large and small transport projects that add up to deliver a better connected region.”

Local Enterprise Partnership interim chair Professor Steve West said: “Approval for these projects show that we can work together to make the West of England an attractive option for business and industry.

“As part of the area’s wider funding programme, these are important steps in ensuring that our transport infrastructure meets the growth needs of the region.” 

More information of the meeting can be found at www.westofengland-ca.org.uk