Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to help (a) bring forward the Bristol East Junction project and (b) promote economic growth and prosperity in the West of England area; what progress has been made on presenting the business case for that project to the Treasury; and if he will make a statement.

Earlier this year, Her Majesty’s Treasury approved funding for advanced works at Bristol East Junction which significantly de-risk the project’s commissioning phase. My officials have worked closely with Network Rail to develop the Business Case for the project which is close to being finalised and I expect this to be presented to the Treasury in the coming months.

The Government’s continued support for the West of England region is demonstrated by the £5bn investment in the electrification and upgrade of the Great Western Main Line, stimulating economic growth in the region. Additionally, the West of England Combined Authority has received £103m from Government through the Transforming Cities Fund to transform connectivity within the Bristol area.