Khaled Chowdhury, MEng, PMP®’s Post

At the time of posting, the UK Government was going to make an imminent decision on the new Essex/Kent Thames Crossing. Apparently the plan is the route will start/finish at J29 I am not a qualified road planner and I haven't seen the proposed plans, however, as a regular road user of the M25, particularly J29 - J30 southbound and J2 - J30 northbound, this part of the motorway for the Dartford Crossing becomes a bottleneck which causes the problems. You have HGV's crossing from the ports at Dover, Tilbury, Harwich and Felixstowe. You have Lakeside Intu shopping Centre, the A13 into and from London which is a main route. J29 is the A127 another main route from London to Southend on Sea and areas. You now also have the additional traffic going to and from London City Airport and Southend on Sea airport plus all the additional traffic for other businesses and leisure drivers. Hopefully common sense will prevail because as a driver I cannot see how this scheme would work if this is the approved route because all the traffic is merging into an already congested junction! They have already spent 15 years and £850 million in planning with still no decision. Just ask drivers and local businesses what they think, it's free! #highwaysagency #ukgovernment #roads #traffic #congestion #roadtonowhere #dartfordcrossing

Latest transport news..... An independent transport reviewer is set to be named in the coming weeks following the announcement by mayor Richard Parker to look at all current projects in the region. It is anticipated that the initial findings will be available in the Autumn.   A Rail and Urban Transport Review has called on the West Midlands to work with other regions and the private sector to create a UK network fit for the next fifty years. The panel highlighted the Midlands Rail Hub for praise as being "a transformational project of national significance".   The consultation process of Birmingham City Council’s plans to reduce most 40mph roads in the city to 30mph saw 56.7% people oppose the plans and 37.9% support them. The remaining people had a neutral view.   National Express and West Midlands operator Mobico has seen progress towards becoming more profitable as a result of an 8% increase in passenger numbers and some fare cost increases.   #transport #rail #bus #roads

San Francisco reports a 25 percent increase in passenger numbers on its Muni bus and rail network in 2023 👉 https://lnkd.in/dN6n_8kb San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) #publictransport #transit #transportation

San Francisco reports a 25 percent increase in passenger numbers on its Muni bus and rail network in 2023 👉 https://lnkd.in/dN6n_8kb San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) #publictransport #transit #transportation

#WestYorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin has unveiled proposals for a new tram system that will run between #Leeds and #Bradford, with a later extension to #Dewsbury also a possibility. Subject to being agreed at a final Combined Authority meeting this week, this will represent a major step forward for the area’s proposed mass transit scheme. The first phase is planned to begin construction in 2028 and begin operation by the early 2030s. Future phases are intended to follow and the Combined Authority plan to work with Kirklees Council to look into how to include a Dewsbury Line in future. The full network is projected to be completed by 2040. The first phase would include two lines between Leeds and Bradford: The Leeds Line and the Bradford Line. The Leeds Line would take people between St James’ Hospital, through Leeds city centre and on to Elland Road and the White Rose Shopping Centre. The Bradford Line would run from Leeds city centre to Bradford city centre – also linking Bradford Forster Square station with the new Bradford rail station. This line supports Bradford’s plans to regenerate the city’s southern gateway, which includes the new Bradford rail station. A consultation this summer will see the public asked for their views on potential route options for the first phase of #masstransit The Combined Authority will also work on a £1 million Mass Transit development fund to be set aside to support the Dewsbury Line Development Project, which will look into how to get mass transit to connect #Kirklees with Leeds. The mass transit system will form a key part of a wider integrated transport system in the region, integrating with bus, rail, cycling and walking, so that everyone can get across the region with ease. The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said: ‘Today is a key milestone in our plan to create a better-connected region that works for all. By setting out our plans to submit to government, we are taking a major step forward towards the biggest infrastructure project West Yorkshire has seen since the development of the motorways six decades ago. ‘This will be transformational for the North, helping our communities to thrive and our economy to flourish – benefitting generations to come with greater opportunity and prosperity. ‘We know that mass transit systems have successfully helped to regenerate areas right across the country by boosting connectivity, opportunity and prosperity – and we will work tirelessly to make sure that happens here in West Yorkshire.’ 🔻🔻🔻 Click/tap image below to see video on YouTube 🔻🔻🔻

Today's rail headlines - #InTheNews: China is building a new railway, Heathrow Express track access agreement, vandalism at The Midland Railway, and refurbishment of Pendolino fleet concluded. Listen here: #UKrail #railways #headlines

Today's rail headlines - #InTheNews: Shopping trolleys dumped on railway line, FirstGroup results, DLR trains update, and plans to replace a key road and rail bridge in Southampton. Listen here: #UKrail #railways #headlines

Big changes next week as we continue to deliver the South Wales Metro and improve public transport in Wales

Lancaster, Pennsylvania's Amtrak train station stands as the second busiest in the Commonwealth and the 21st busiest nationwide. Great to see the ongoing renovations of Lancaster’s train platforms. Passenger rail not only fosters economic growth but also offers a vital service, ensuring accessible transportation for all. Amidst the spotlight often on road and airport projects, let's not overlook the significant benefits that improvements in passenger rail bring to both urban centers and rural communities alike. With advance booking, a round-trip ticket from my hometown of Lancaster to NYC can cost as little as $80—a remarkable value considering the tolls, fuel, congestion pricing, and parking expenses. #PassengerRail #Transportation #EconomicGrowth #CityofLancaster

Crossrail 2 ‘cannot fall off the agenda’: call for route to be safeguarded A London Assembly member has called for the #Crossrail 2 route to be safeguarded and insisted the line would benefit the whole of the UK. #Planning work on the proposed #Hertfordshire to #Surrey #rail line was mothballed in late 2020 following the #Covid pandemic and the financial issues it caused at Transport for London (#TfL). The latest safeguarding of the route - legal protections to stop its construction being made impractical due by new developments - was put in place in 2015 despite work continuing on plans for another five years. In June it emerged that TfL and the Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom were still in discussions about safeguarding the most up-to-date route for the project. No action has yet been taken over the #megaproject, and NCE understands it is not one of the top priorities for TfL at present. But assembly member Elly Baker, who represents the Labour Party, called for action to be taken and for Crossrail 2 to go ahead. https://lnkd.in/egmMXebi