£6.1 billion programme of upgrades to major roads

The Department for Transport has unveiled a £6.1 billion programme of road improvements as part of the government’s £23 billion upgrade to the road network in England.

Transport Minister Jesse Norman aid that drivers will benefit from shorter journey times, reduced congestion and increased capacity on roads, which in turn would create better local connections and improved passenger journeys.

Over the next six months the government will undertake 55 road improvements across the country, including opening eight schemes, consulting on 10 schemes and publishing final plans for another 29 schemes.

Norman said: “Road users across England should soon be seeing the benefits of these improvements in their daily lives, which are designed to link people better with their jobs, friends, family and local amenities, as well as connecting businesses with customers.

“Over the next six months we expect to roll out our vital upgrade plan — taking next steps on £6.1 billion-worth of schemes and seeking to hear from local people, organisations and businesses to help shape our plans and ensure they benefit local communities. And shortly I also plan to announce the winners of the 2017 to 2018 highways maintenance challenge fund, where the government will be investing £75 million to improve smaller local roads including through resurfacing, filling potholes and other infrastructure projects.”

Jim O’Sullivan, Highways England chief Eexecutive, added: “Highways England is committed to delivering the government’s investment programme to improve the strategic road network. These milestones are critical elements of our current work and we are extremely pleased that we are on track to deliver them.”

The announcements are important next steps to progress the schemes announced in the 2014 road investment strategy, which outlines how £15.2 billion will be invested in our strategic roads between 2015 and 2021.