£350M investment for local roads

The government has announced a £345.3M funding package to improve local roads and public transport across the country.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling confirmed that some 76 projects from across the country have been awarded funding totalling £244M, with some £101.3M granted for two new major roads in Middlewich and Worcester.

The investment will see key benefits for local road users, with access to public transport sites improved, more roads made cyclist-friendly, key local traffic ‘pinch points’ addressed and supporting the development of new housing.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “This government is taking the big decisions for Britain’s future and investing a record £23Bn on our roads to increase capacity and improve journeys.

“These schemes will provide much needed upgrades to essential local roads up and down the country, cutting congestion, improving safety and shortening journey times for drivers.

“They will also help boost regional economic growth by unlocking jobs and supporting vital new housing development.”

A huge range of projects will benefit from the investment, ranging from contactless payment options across Nottingham’s bus and tram network, a new bus link in Plymouth with direct access to Derriford hospital and improvements to the A66 in Darlington which will help unlock 2,600 houses and 4,300 jobs by improving travel connections.

The major road scheme in Worcester sees a range of upgrades to the Worcester Southern Relief Road, with £54.5M in funding bringing a new carriageway alongside the existing Carrington Bridge. This will provide much needed congestion relief for local Worcester residents and commuters.

In Middlewich, some £46.5M will pay for the Eastern Bypass scheme, designed to cut congestion for residents and open up more land for employment.

The National Productivity Investment Fund and the Large Local Majors fund, will provide the investment funds as part of the government’s record investment in road to help keep Britain moving and the economy growing.

The government announced its ambitious Road Investment Strategy (RIS) in December 2014. The strategy is designed to increase much needed road capacity, boost economic development and improve road safety.

Highways England has completed 18 road schemes and started work on 15 more.

 

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