Press Release

RIA Midlands & Eastern welcomes Levelling Up investment in local rail links

 

RIA Midlands & Eastern has today welcomed a Government announcement confirming that £68 million worth of levelling up funding will be invested in rail-related projects across the region.

Key rail projects given the green light as part of the investment package include:

  • Lincoln Western Growth Corridor (WGC) - Eastern Transport Access Scheme: £20 million to build two bridges in Lincoln to run across the East Midlands Railway track. This will provide an essential direct route for hundreds of households to the city centre and ease traffic congestion. The Western Growth Corridor will also include 3200 homes and space for retail and other businesses. 
  • Peterborough Station Enhancements and Connectivity: Nearly £48 million to build a new entrance and footbridge for Peterborough train station, creating a new gateway to unlock the vibrant city centre for local people, commuters and visitors. 

Responding to the announcement, RIA Midlands & Eastern Lead, Milda Manomaityte, said:

“This is great news for the Midlands & Eastern regions as rail investment enhances connectivity, spurs economic growth, supports jobs and generates tax revenue. £2.50 of income is generated in the wider economy for every £1 spent.

“So, we welcome that the Government has recognised the power of rail to level up, with the Lincoln Western Growth Corridor and Peterborough Station Enhancements projects set grow local economies and spread opportunity.

“We urge the Government to keep investing in rail, supporting communities across the country and ensuring they benefit from an enhanced rail network.”

Notes to Editors 

  1. About RIA Midlands & Eastern: RIA Midlands & Eastern is the voice of the rail supply community in the Midlands and East Anglia, representing RIA members across the regions. 
  2. About RIA: The Railway Industry Association (RIA) is the voice of the UK rail supply community. We help to grow a sustainable, high-performing, railway supply industry, and to export UK rail expertise and products. RIA has 300+ companies in membership in a sector that contributes £43 billion in economic growth and £14 billion in tax revenue each year, as well as employing 710,000 people. It is also a vital industry for the UK’s economic recovery, supporting green investment and jobs in towns and communities across the UK; for every £1 spent in rail, £2.50 is generated in the wider economy. RIA’s membership is active across the whole of railway supply, covering a diverse range of products and services and including both multi-national companies and SMEs (60% by number). www.riagb.org.uk