Local MP Graham Stuart hailed the announcement of record funding for the East Riding as the Department for Transport unveiled £40 million to revamp the problematic Jock’s Lodge junction. The news comes after a long campaign where Graham took the Council’s bid to the very top of Government.
Following discussions with East Riding council officers and affected residents at the public consultation stage, Graham pressed the Transport Secretary to recognise the need for improvements around the accident blackspot at Jock’s Lodge, which is the East Riding’s busiest road junction. He followed up with further representations to Transport Minister, Jesse Norman, and Northern Powerhouse Minister, Jake Berry, highlighting the negative effect of the impact upon local road users.
Mr Berry recognised the need to improve the ‘pinch point’, however Graham said that the Jock’s Lodge bid remained an uphill battle with strong competition from projects across the country. The surprise announcement is therefore welcome news for local drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, with work on the revamped roundabout, extended dual carriageway and new segregated pedestrian and cycle crossing due to be completed by 2022.
Graham said: “It is fantastic news that the accident-prone Jock’s Lodge junction will be seeing major improvements after it was announced that a record £40m is being made available by the Department Transport to revamp the East Riding’s busiest intersection.
“For too long, residents, businesses and visitors have suffered as a result of long delays and accidents, which were threatening the future growth of this part of the world. It has been a challenging campaign against the odds but I welcome the Department for Transport’s decision and would like to pay tribute to the hard-working officers at East Riding Council for succeeding with this vital and much-needed bid.”
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “This Government is investing record amounts in our roads, spending £6 billion to improve journeys in our towns and cities and boost local economies.
“These upgrades will be hugely important in helping ease traffic and improving everyday journeys for residents and businesses around Beverley. Our commitment of more than £40 million for the scheme will transform journeys in the area.”
