Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Transport Projects: East of England

Thursday 26 October 2023 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Transport projects in the East of England will see rail improvements at Ely and Haughley junctions as part of the Network North announcement.
  • Officials are assessing the outline business case for the A10 West Winch housing access road submitted by N.
  • The Ely Junction upgrade is expected to boost passenger services and enhance freight transportation from Felixstowe across the Midlands.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 James Wild Con North West Norfolk
Transport
Context

The MP is seeking specific plans to support transport infrastructure improvements in his region, focusing on rail and road projects that have been announced or are pending approval.

Question

What plans does he have to support transport projects in the East of England? The MP warmly welcomes the commitment to upgrade Ely Junction, which will boost passenger services to King's Lynn in his constituency, as well as freight. He urges Ministers to approve the business case for the A10 West Winch housing access road submitted by Norfolk County Council.

Answer from Huw Merriman

The Network North announcement includes rail improvements at Ely and Haughley junctions, a key priority. The east will also benefit from £8.3 billion in highways maintenance funding. Officials are currently assessing the outline business case for the A10 West Winch housing access road submitted by Norfolk County Council, and will provide advice to Ministers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline for rapid progress on Ely Junction project

How: Officials Are Currently Assessing The Outline Business Case, Will Be Providing Advice To Ministers In Due Course

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Q2 James Wild Con North West Norfolk
Transport
Context

The MP is concerned about the delay in approving the business case for the A10 West Winch housing access road and wants to ensure rapid progress on the Ely Junction project, both of which are crucial for economic development and reducing congestion.

Question

I warmly welcome the commitment to upgrade Ely Junction, which will boost passenger services to King's Lynn in my constituency, as well as freight. I am sure my hon. Friend will ensure that the scheme now proceeds as rapidly as possible. May I also urge Ministers to approve the business case submitted by Norfolk County Council for the A10 West Winch housing access road, which is essential to unlock housing, reduce congestion and boost growth?

Answer from Huw Merriman

As ever, my hon. Friend is bang on when it comes to the Ely project. It is a superb project, which really delivers for freight and ensures that freight can travel from Felixstowe across the midlands, rather than having to go south. So I can assure hon. Members that we will be on that project and getting it delivered. On my hon. Friend's point on the A10, which I welcome, officials are currently assessing the outline business case submitted by Norfolk County Council, and will be providing advice to Ministers in due course. We will ensure that we are in touch with my hon. Friend as soon as a decision has been made.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline for rapid progress on Ely Junction project and approval of the A10 West Winch housing access road business case

How: Officials Are Currently Assessing The Outline Business Case, Will Be Providing Advice To Ministers In Due Course

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)