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<p>The electrification on the Windsor Branch forms part of the wider Great Western
electrification scheme. We are working closely with Network Rail and the ORR to ensure
delivery of these benefits as set out in the Rail Investment Strategy.</p><p> </p><p>Further
investment has seen the modernisation of Reading Station area which is planned to
be completed this Easter at a cost of £895m.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p> </p><p>In
addition, The Government launched the Roads Investment Strategy on 1 December 2014.
The M4 Junctions 3-12 smart motorway project to upgrade the M4 from east of Heathrow
to west of Reading continues to be progressed. The Highways Agency intends to submit
a Development Consent Order (DCO) application for the scheme at the end of March.
Subject to planning consent and the final business case, construction could start
in late 2016. The Highways Agency is also delivering a £2.5 million pinch point scheme
to relieve traffic congestion at the M4/A329 (M) junction.</p><p> </p><p>On 29 January
the Government also announced a £10.2m expansion of the Growth Deal with the Thames
Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). We understand the LEP intends
to use around £7.5m of that additional funding for 4 new local transport schemes,
taking the total funding for local transport improvements as part of the Growth Deal
to over £100m, supporting delivery of 20 transport projects across Berkshire.</p><p>
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