£75 million funding for major road improvements

Councils in England have been given £75 million funding for major road user schemes.

The funding will help to refurbish bridges, improve junctions and boost flood defences as part of a multi-million pound government investment announced by Transport Minister Jesse Norman.

Nineteen projects across the UK will receive a share of £75 million of government investment for essential road maintenance.

Local authorities were challenged to put forward schemes which could make a real difference to road users.

Winning projects include junction improvements, repairs and resurfacing, flood resilience measures, bridge and viaduct refurbishment, and improved drainage.

The improvements will cut congestion, reduce journey times and improve reliability, as well as support local businesses and boost economic growth.

The challenge fund is one part of the £6.1 billion being provided to local highway authorities in England outside London between 2015 to 2016 and 2020 to 2021 to help keep Britain moving and the economy growing.

Jesse Norman, Transport Minister, said: “We are taking the big decisions for Britain’s future by investing in the infrastructure the country needs and ensuring motorists have the well maintained roads they expect and deserve.

“This investment will enable councils to repair roads and key infrastructure like bridges – boosting reliability on our roads so people can stay connected with family, friends and employment, while also keeping businesses connected with customers.

“Most of the schemes will be delivered within the next 12 months, so many drivers will see an immediate impact.”

Responding to the announcement, Martin Tett, transport spokesman at the Local Government Association, said: "Any additional funding to councils for roads maintenance enables councils to make a difference not just for motorists, but for businesses and infrastructure in their local area.

“This funding, and recent government announcements pledging more money for local roads is positive, but has to be viewed in the context that councils face a £12 billion roads repair backlog bill.

“Councils need long-term and consistent investment, which enables them to plan ahead and invest taxpayers’ money as effectively as possible, similar to how agencies such as Highways England operates, if we’re to bring our local roads up to scratch.”