UK - Infrastructure developments
Uk developments in infrastructure.
Infrastructure is the stuff that makes a country work. It is the basic equipment and structures (such as roads and bridges ) that are needed for a country, region, or organisation to function properly. It is really important for the UK to have excellent infrastructure if it is to deliver a good quality of life for the people living there and to allow its businesses to compete across Europe and the world. The Government of the UK stated in 2013;
“The Government is determined to succeed in the global race by creating growth and delivering lasting prosperity. To build a strong economy, necessary for a fairer society, the UK needs infrastructure that competes with the best in the world. Long-term investment in infrastructure helps enhance productivity and creates jobs. It also means the UK is ready to face new challenges such as population growth and climate change and take full advantage of new technologies. The UK needs transport and communications networks that connect people and businesses; resilient, cost effective and sustainable energy supplies; and the science infrastructure which can give UK industry the edge over our competitors. 21st century infrastructure is needed for a 21st century Britain.”
There are many ways in which we can improve our infrastructure and the exam board ask you to focus on ports, roads, rail and airports.
Our roads are going to get significant amounts of money. Extra lanes can be added to the busiest motorways, the equivalent of at least an additional 221 lane miles in total by opening the hard shoulder to traffic and using new technology. The government will also build all available Highways Agency road projects to tackle the most congested parts of the network, including the A14 from Cambridge to Huntingdon and the M4 from London to Reading.
There is also big investment in our ports. Ports are vital ways for the UK to get the resources and products it needs to function as a major country. For example, the London Gateway is a development on the north bank of the River Thames in Thurrock, Essex. It is just 20 miles (32 km) east of central London and has a new deep-water port, which is able to handle the biggest container ships in the world.
The port also has one of Europe’s largest logistics parks, providing access by road and railways to London and the rest of Great Britain.
Airports connect the UK to the world. Heathrow and Gatwick are our major airports, and act as “hubs” allowing passengers to connect to the rest of the world. There is a proposal to expand Heathrow and add a third runway and sixth terminal building. There are many economic and social benefits to this but it would be damaging for people locally and for the environment.
Rail: High Speed Rail 2
HS2 is a major transport project designed to improve rail journeys in the UK and is split into 2 stages;
• The first phase between London and Birmingham will open in 2026. • The second phase involves adding a V shaped section, with separate lines going from Birmingham to Manchester and Leeds.
The objective of the scheme is to reduce journey times between the cities of the Northern part of England, and also to reduce the journey times to London. The idea is that businesses will function better with less loss of time spent travelling. The table below summarises the arguments that surround this massive project;
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