Western Gateway Sub-National Transport Body (STB) has just published a refreshed Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) to reflect the changing political landscape since the original publication of the SIP under a conservative government.
Following the original SIP, which was signed off in March 2025, this refreshed plan sets out 53 regionally significant transport projects recommended for funding prioritisation over the next decade. The projects will be delivered by the organisations responsible for each scheme, as we play a key role in convening stakeholders and supporting scheme implementation.
From left to right: Mena Abidakun, Tim Woodhead, James White, Robert Smith and Avril Fear.
The proposals cover our broad geographical area, which stretches from Tewkesbury to Bournemouth. The schemes, which will be delivered by the relevant transport authorities and stakeholders, include significant rail, road, and mobility initiatives. Among the top ten priority schemes included in the SIP are:
- Improvement of gateline capacity and customer facilities at Bournemouth station
- Package of improvements to deliver strategic sustainable travel network connecting South East Dorset to the BCP conurbation.
- Heart of Wessex Line Service enhancement
- Bristol – Oxford direct train service
- Superbus Service Enhancements around the Bath and Wiltshire conurbations
- Accessibility improvements to rail stations in the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority area
- Capacity upgrades at Gloucester Station (including alterations to Horton Road level crossing)
- Port of Poole Expansion, reopening of Hamworthy Branch Line and supporting access improvements
- Bournemouth Airport and Aviation Business Park Sustainable Access Package
- B3097 (Station Road) Bridge Improvement in Westbury
The SIP has been developed following work conducted on the original SIP, and included accepting new scheme submissions. The plan seeks to build on the objectives of the Strategic Transport Plan (STP), while factoring in the change of government and priorities since its publication in March 2024.
You can read the new SIP here.
