FUTURE travel schemes which could be implemented on the town’s 750-mile road network will be assessed by Barnsley Council’s highways bosses - after £1.5m was made available to conduct feasibility modelling.
Traffic surveys, road designs and designs for a future pipeline of schemes will be carried out as a result of the cash, which has come from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).
A report, discussed yesterday by ruling cabinet members, revealed the cash will also fund procurement for traffic count equipment and for( consultancy staff to assist with feasibility work on potential rail schemes.
A new ‘microsimulation model’ for the town centre and surrounding( areas will be created, which will enable schemes to be tested to assess whether or not they are suitable.
The report, compiled by Tracey Brewer, head of strategic transport, said: “In April an award was made to the SYMCA of over £570m.
“Of the £570m, the allocation for Barnsley Council was just over £45.5m, which includes the highways capital maintenance and integrated transport block.
“In addition to the transport settlement, the Department for Transport also awarded funding of £5.2m for local authorities to commence project feasibility work.
“The initial allocation confirmed for Barnsley for this work is £1.52m.
“In order to unlock this funding the transport team have to submit a template to SYMCA that outlines the projects we intend to undertake and how they align with the programme.
“It should be noted that subsequent reports will be provided to members advising on the outcome of the feasibility work undertaken along with any subsequent outline and full business cases to support those projects that cabinet approves progression thereof.”
Two multi-million pound infrastructure projects which will see new link roads created to boost Barnsley’s business and housing needs are in progress.
The two-phase M1 junction 37 ‘economic growth corridor’ programme relates to the partially-open multi-way one-way road off Dodworth Road, Pogmoor and access points into MU1, Barnsley Council’s largest development site in its local plan blueprint.
The latter scheme will widen Capitol Close and Higham Lane, make improvements to the Chestnut Tree roundabout and provide new access points into the site which has been allocated for 1,700 homes.
“The funding will enable additional resources to be brought in as and when required,” the report added.
“The acceptance will allow the strategic transport team to undertake detailed traffic modelling work, data collection and develop a future pipeline of projects for any subsequent funding streams or bids.
“Council finance officers will continue to work closely with the transport team to ensure project spend remains within the available £1.52m funding allocation.”
