§ Mr. PicklesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the improvements to the road and rail infrastructure needed to support the contribution that the Haven Gateway sub-region can make to the economic and social regeneration aspirations of the Eastern Region. [37226]
§ Ms KeebleThe London to Ipswich Multi-Modal Study is investigating ways in which the road and rail network in the Al2 and Al20 corridors between London and Ipswich and Harwich can be improved. This will help to increase the accessibility of the Haven Gateway sub-region. The study will shortly be presenting options to the public and is expected to report in the summer.
The Cambridge to Huntingdon Multi-Modal Study has identified improvements to the A14 which will also assist in improving access to Felixstowe, and the SRA is assessing the work required to upgrade the railway line between Felixstowe and Nuneaton to enable trains carrying the larger containers which are now being utilised to run on that particular stretch of track.
The results of all these studies will be incorporated into the Regional Transport Strategy for the East of England which is currently being prepared and will form the basis of transport policy in the Region in future.
821W
§ Mr. PicklesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps he is taking to support the work of the Haven Gateway Partnership; and if he will give to the Partnership recognition similar to that bestowed on the Thames Gateway Partnership. [37225]
§ Ms KeebleWe warmly welcome the Haven Gateway initiative and when it begins to show some concrete achievements I would be happy to include an engagement with the Partnership as part of a visit to the area.
The Government Office for the East of England is participating in a number of the initiatives which are being undertaken and is represented at all partner meetings of the Partnership.