Our multimodal connectivity studies put the words in our transport strategy into action.
Thames Valley - Buckinghamshire- Milton Keynes- Northampton (ongoing)
Southern East West Movements (ongoing)
Swindon-Didcot-Oxford (nearing completion)
Oxford-Milton Keynes (published 2022)
Peterborough-Northampton-Oxford (published 2022)
Call for evidence: 9 May – 11 June
England’s Economic Heartland has launched a ‘call for evidence’ to inform the development of our next two connectivity studies: ‘Thames Valley-Buckinghamshire-Milton Keynes-Northampton’ and the ‘southern east-west corridor’ covering Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.
Please read our short presentations about the studies before taking part in the survey:
Southern EW Movements Connectivity Study C4E Explainer v1.1
Thames Valley-Northampton Connectivity Study C4E Explainer v1.1
The connectivity studies are an important part of EEH’s work programme, developing an evidence base that shows what the most effective connectivity solutions are for key corridors across the region. The evidence captured will be used to shape investment proposals going forward, through EEH or in support of individual local authorities’ priorities. The studies are guided by the policies set out in the EEH transport strategy and steered by our local authority partners.
One of the first stages of the connectivity studies is an in-depth analysis of the issues present in each corridor. As part of this, EEH is inviting interested parties to complete a short survey which is available on the EEH website and will be open until midnight on June 11.
The ‘call for evidence’ survey will complement our extensive on-going engagement with the local authorities along each study corridor, ensuring the views of EEH’s partners are fully represented.
The two studies are expected to conclude in late 2023/ early 2024, when a report will be published setting out the connectivity opportunities and needs in each corridor. The package of interventions identified will form a key part of our investment pipeline for the region.
EEH’s first two connectivity studies, Oxford-Milton Keynes and Peterborough-Northampton-Oxford completed in December 2022. They included measures to increase inter-urban bus and cycle connectivity, maximise opportunities from East West Rail and improve safety and resilience on strategically important roads.
A third connectivity study covering Swindon-Didcot-Oxford is anticipated to complete this summer. The final study, Luton-Bedford-North Northants, will commence later this year.
Alternative futures
To support a high level qualitative assessment of infrastructure scenarios, four alternative futures have been developed. The alternative futures will be applied, as appropriate, across our technical programme, beginning with the connectivity studies.