New road and railway upgrades announced

Roadworks

The government has approved more than five strategic road schemes and five key rail upgrades, which have also been allocated funding and will support 42,000 jobs.

Five major road schemes in the north and Midlands are confirmed as funded including the M54 to M6 link road in Staffordshire, which will cut journey times and connect thousands to key economic hubs across the Midlands. 

Additionally, the M60/M62/M66 Simister Island (Greater Manchester), which has funding approved, could connect developments, support 20,000 new jobs and 7,00 new homes if planning approval is granted, alongside the A38 Derby Junctions (Derby) which will support 15,400 new homes.

Additionally, funding has been secured for the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine which will cut journey times in the north, support over 10,000 new homes and connect millions across the region as a key national and international economic route.

Rail projects are also receiving attention, with a passenger rail line between Bristol city centre and Portishead being brought back, which last ran over 60 years ago, and delivering three new train stations to bring thousands more people closer to a railway. The government is funding a Midlands Rail Hub, creating brand new rail links for more than 50 locations and 13,000 construction jobs, making it the region’s biggest and most ambitious rail improvement scheme to date.

Rail investment outside of London and the South East is London overdue, which is why the government is confirming additional funding right across England and Wales, which will improve access to jobs and leisure and stimulate housing growth in the regions.

In total, the announcements will support over 42,000 new jobs and 39,000 new homes, as well as also cutting journey times and boost economic growth across the country.

£92 billion earmarked for infrastructure investment has allowed these projects to be supported, and the government is also committing support to continue 28 local road schemes that are vital to connecting and growing communities, such as the Middlewich Eastern Bypass and A382 Drumbridges to Newton Abbot schemes.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Transport is the backbone of our economy, which is why we are giving them the record funding boost they need, putting taxpayers’ money where it matters most and making everyday journeys easier.

“With over £92 billion investment, including the biggest ever boost for city regions in the north and Midlands, we’re delivering the scheme that fastback economic growth and jobs, connect communities, and will help us build 1.5 million new homes, as well as deliver our Plan for Change.

“We’re forging ahead with the vital new transport infrastructure Britain needs, and improving what we’ve already got, to deliver a new era of renewal and opportunity.”

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