Ed Leigh backs Eastern Bypass plan
The Department for Transport has confirmed earlier than expected its support for the Eastern Bypass around Lincoln which is believed will ease the road journeys of many residents in Mr Leigh’s Gainsborough constituency.
Norman Baker MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Transport, wrote to Edward Leigh MP announcing: “We have decided to confirm support earlier than originally proposed for a number of schemes within the Development Pool which will significantly aid growth and which are ready to be announced.”
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Mr Baker confirmed that the Lincoln Eastern Bypass is amongst the schemes approved recently.
Gainsborough’s Conservtive MP Edward Leigh welcomed the Department’s move.
“Many residents of the Gainsborough constituency will find there road journeys greatly eased by the construction of the Eastern Bypass around Lincoln, he said.”
He continued: “I salute the Department’s willingness to announce their support earlier than expected.”
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Mr Leigh added: “This should help local businesses plan accordingly and give a much-needed shot in the arm to enterprise in Lincolnshire.”
The DfT identified a number of local major transport schemes they wished to consider supporting, subject to local authorities exploring ways to reduce the Department’s funding contribution and submitting acceptable revised funding bids. Further consideration was given to the project’s value for money.
Lincolnshire County Council are now free to complete the remaining legal and procurement processes for the Eastern Bypass, following which a request for full approval will be submitted to the Department for Transport.
After Chancellor George Osborne announced as part of his autumn statement, that the bypass would be one of 35 infrastructure projects around the UK to receive funding, Lincolnshire County Council revealed that up to 30,000 jobs would be generated over the next 15 years in the construction of the road. The Council say they hope for the building of the £96 million scheme will start in 2014.