£93 million announced for road upgrades

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has pledged £93 million for major road upgrades across the country.

The Department for Transport states that the Northern Powerhouse is set to receive over half of the funding, with up to £56 million for a dramatic overhaul of the Kex Gill section of the A59 in North Yorkshire.

As part of this, connectivity between the historic northern towns of Harrogate and Skipton will be improved. The proposed new road will divert traffic away from the landslip-prone Kex Gill part of the route, helping to remove traffic from nearby villages and offering more reliable journeys to thousands of people in the region every day.

The West Midlands will benefit from a £24 million investment to reduce congestion at Birchley Island, situated at the intersection of the M5, A4123 and A4034 – which is expected to boost employment, improve air quality and increase the region’s manufacturing output.

Elsewhere, Hampshire is in line for £13 million worth of crucial upgrades to the Redbridge Causeway bridges over the River Test, which carry roughly 60,000 vehicles a day. The bridges provide important access for local businesses and hauliers to the Port of Southampton, and link the New Forest waterside area to Southampton.

The total cost of the three schemes is expected to reach £107 million, with local councils providing the remainder of the funding following the Department for Transport’s £93 million investment – pending the completion of all legal processes.

Shapps said: “I am delighted to announce this significant funding package, which will ensure millions of people can continue to travel easily and safely. It’s further proof of this government delivering on its promise to level up the country – putting transport at the heart of our efforts to build back better from Covid-19. The projects will help people access work and education, as well as ensuring vital connectivity for local businesses.

“While everyone will see the benefits of these schemes in time, for now, it’s important to remember to only travel for the permitted reasons while we continue to prioritise protecting public health and preventing the spread of the virus. Through staying at home, you can help stop the virus and save lives.”