The Institution of Civil Engineers South West (ICE) has welcomed the government’s green light to two South West road schemes given by the Chancellor yesterday in his Autumn Statement.

Mr Osborne gave the go ahead to the South Devon Link Road and the South Bristol Link Road as part of a commitment to investment in infrastructure detailed in the 2nd National Infrastructure Plan published this week.

Trish Johnson, Regional Director of ICE SW, said: “The go-ahead for the South Devon Link Road is fantastic news for Torbay and South Devon. Not only will it ease congestion and improve air quality, but it will bring a much needed boost to the public transport system at the same time.

"Similarly, the easy access to the City Centre from South Bristol that the South Bristol Link Road will bring will stimulate regeneration and provide a crucial easy link to the airport.

“We welcome the government’s renewed commitment to find innovative ways to ensure investment in infrastructure. Transport infrastructure in the South West is putting a brake on economic growth and this needs addressing urgently.”

Commenting on the publication of the 2nd National Infrastructure Plan, ICE Director General Tom Foulkes, said: “The new infrastructure plan lays the foundations for a more structured approach to our infrastructure delivery. An approach that rightly sets out what the UK needs from its infrastructure, the interdependencies between the networks, a strategic and comprehensive ‘pipeline’ of projects and the need for a political heavyweight to really drive the most crucial ones forward.
 
“Clearly Government has taken on board the case made for prioritisation of capital expenditure for infrastructure investment, despite difficult economic circumstances. Its aspirations on how to finance infrastructure in the longer term through a range of models and working with the pensions industry to leverage £20bn, are also encouraging. However, Government must now ensure its aspirations are translated into reality.
 
 “Going forwards there must also be regular, high profile, public reporting on the progress of the infrastructure plan to ensure goals are met and the plan remains up to date. The commitment to report against performance measures for each network in an annual ‘state of the infrastructure’ report is a real step forward.  However to retain confidence and create a platform for continuous dialogue between industry, investors and government there is a strong case for a National Infrastructure Forum bringing together the key players who will be involved in implementing the plan.”

ENDS