Agenda item

To secure approval from Committee on key decisions and associated funding (where applicable) related to projects within the Combined Authority’s Infrastructure Directorate Transport Portfolio.

NB: Subsequent to the original publication of the report a couple of minor changes have been made to the paper.  These are highlighted for ease of reference.

The Metro Mayor Dan Norris asked the Committee to agree upgrades to bus stops in the region to encourage bus passengers to use local services. The report requested approval from Committee on key decisions and associated funding (where applicable) related to projects within the Combined Authority’s Infrastructure Directorate Transport Portfolio.

The recommendations were proposed by Metro Mayor Dan Norris and seconded by Councillor Kevin Guy.

Councillor Guy stated that the Transport Board should take more of a role to drive forward a vision for the region as a whole.  He welcomed that extra investment into transport schemes in the region. 

Councillor Savage stated that South Gloucestershire was in control of around half of the bus stops in that region, most of the others were controlled by town and parish councils.  Therefore discussions would need to take place with lots of different organisations.  South Gloucestershire would assist with this where possible.

[voting arrangements: Decisions required majority agreement of Committee Members in attendance, or their substitutes (one vote representing each Authority) and including the West of England Combined Authority Mayor]

It was unanimously RESOLVED:

(1)   Further to committee approval in July 2022- Delegation to approve the award of contract for the Strategic Programme Delivery Partner to the Director of Infrastructure of the Combined Authority in consultation with the other Directors of Infrastructure within the constituent Councils, to be awarded in November 2022;

(2)   Further to the committee report in July 2022 –to streamline the change control process for the infrastructure programme of works, to Go-Live is October 2022

(3)   to reallocate the awards of Transforming Cities Funding of £0.186m (3 x £0.062m) from B&NES to the Combined Authority to develop further: Sliver Street (B3355) – Fosseway (A367) as part of the Somer Valley sustainable transport corridor with FBC forecasted for Jan 2024, Bath Road Keynsham as part of the Bristol to Bath Strategic Corridor with FBC forecasted for March 2024 and Weston to City Centre cycle route as part of Bath Sustainable Walking & Cycling Links (BSWCL) with FBC forecasted for March 2023;

(4)   to approve Transforming Cities Funding and CRSTS funding for the Bedminster Green Full Business Case (as part of the A38(s) Bristol to Hengrove Metrobus Extension). The funding allocations are £4.07m TCF and £6.319m CRSTS. 

(5)   to delegate the approval of Transforming Cities Funding and CRSTS funding, for the Bristol Bridge Signals Junction and Car Park VMS Project (previously Bristol City Centre Junctions - part of the A37/A4018 Stockwood to Cribbs Causeways Sustainable Transport Corridor) for the Full Business Case due October 2022. Approval to be delegated to the Director of Infrastructure of the Combined Authority in consultation with the other Directors of Infrastructure within the constituent Councils. The funding allocations are £0.645m TCF and £1.748m CRSTS funding. 

(6)   to delegate the approval of the Full Business Case for the Bus Stop Upgrades project and the award of up to £5m from the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) to the Director of Infrastructure of the Combined Authority in consultation with the other Directors of Infrastructure within the constituent Councils. As this is funded by TCF, delivery must be completed by March 23. Committee agrees the aim to maximise the number of bus stops that can be upgraded during this period. Members are urged to ensure planning and highways regulations are streamlined to ensure the number of bus stop upgrades are maximised during the period while TCF funding is available.