Minutes:
Thomas Skidmore presented a report which detailed the Outline Business Case (OBC) submission in relation to the A34 Walsall to Birmingham Sprint scheme.
Councillor Mike Bird advised that there was some public opposition to this scheme both in Birmingham and Walsall. He referred to Birmingham City Council’s proposals with regard to the Perry Barr Flyover and that despite promises made in November 2018 neither Walsall MBC or Sandwell MBC had had sight of the transport modelling outcomes. Thomas Skidmore advised that the Flyover did not form part of the Sprint scheme and that the concerns expressed by the A34 Safety Action Group were being mitigated with re-design work being undertaken. Councillor Tristan Chatfield offered to raise the outstanding modelling work with appropriate Members and Officers at Birmingham City Council.
Councillor Peter Lowe referred to the debate earlier in the meeting with regard to those schemes identified by the Metropolitan authorities at the point when the original Devolution Deal had been negotiated and expressed concern that this scheme and the A45 scheme to be considered later in the meeting could prejudice the availability of funding for those schemes. Linda Horne assured the Board that the two Sprint schemes had been included in the original package of schemes identified to be delivered. Councillor Peter Lowe acknowledged this point but sought an assurance that the schemes in the original Devolution Deal would be funded and delivered. Linda Horne advised that she was not in a position to give such an assurance but referred to her earlier remarks on the work which was being carried out to identify alternative and additional funding sources. She added that £25 million had been identified by the WMCA as a contribution towards the costs of hosting the Commonwealth Games but this had been possible through headroom identified at that time with some budgetary movement.
Councillor Mike Bird supported the views expressed by Councillor Peter Lowe and suggested that a similar exercise be carried out in order to identify a source of funds for the additional costs for the Wednesbury – Brierley Hill Metro extension scheme. Linda Horne reminded the Board that a special meeting had been scheduled for 11 March 2019 to consider this matter with Laura Shoaf, Managing Director, Transport for West Midlands, holding briefing sessions on the proposals in the interim period.
Gary Taylor queried the differential third party contributions being made to the two Sprint schemes. Thomas Skidmore explained the reasons for the differences.
Resolved:
1. That in line with the Outline Business Case, £7,900,000 of WMCA funding for the further development of the A34 Walsall to Birmingham Sprint scheme be approved with funding enabling detailed design, project and programme management, advanced works, shelter orders and early utility diversions;
2. That the offer of Councillor Tristan Chatfield to progress the outcome and availability of the transport modelling of the Perry Barr Flyover proposals to Walsall MBC and Sandwell MBC be accepted;
3. That the comments relating to the priority of those schemes nominated by Constituent Authorities at the time of the negotiation of the original Devolution Deal be noted as earlier in the meeting.