Transport for South East (TfSE) has launched a public consultation on its £45bn strategic investment plan (the Plan).  The consultation ends on 12 September 2022.

The Plan provides a framework for investment in strategic transport infrastructure in the South East of England over the next 30 years, supporting decarbonisation, stimulating economic growth and improving accessibility to the transport network.

Investment priorities

The Plan highlights eight investment priorities that align with TfSE’s transport strategy.  Those priorities include:

  • accelerating decarbonisation in the South East;
  • enabling the transport system to adapt to changing travel patterns arising in connection with the pandemic;
  • attracting investment and unlocking regeneration opportunities; and
  • transforming east – west connectivity and enhancing opportunities within the freight and logistic sector.

Packages of interventions

TfSE has worked with partners, stakeholders and technical advisers to develop 24 packages of multi-modal interventions focussed on different regions within the South East, which seek to support the investment priorities identified.  

The Plan includes cost estimates and uses the South East Economy and Land Use Model to model the impact of delivering each package.  It then explores potential funding and financing options and the roles of different stakeholders (government or otherwise) in channelling the funds required to support investment.

Key proposals in the rail sector

The intervention packages include ambitious proposals to:

  • build new stations and rail freight hubs;
  • upgrade port rail freight access, improve rail links to Heathrow airport and enhance connections with HS1 and the TfL network;
  • increase existing network and platform capacity;
  • electrify routes such as the Eastleigh to Romsey Line; and
  • develop new rail links between key destinations, such as Southampton Central and the Netley Line.

Next steps

A number of public consultation events will be held in July (details can be found here) with the consultation closing on12 September 2022.  TfSE will then update the Plan and expects to submit it to DfT in spring 2023.