Transport Minister to see road investment benefits in South West

Local leaders will see benefits of projects along with Andrew Jones.

The Transport Minister is visiting Somerset and Devon today to see first-hand just how the multi-billion pound investment on roads will benefit the region’s economy.

Andrew Jones will visit the A358 and A303 along with local leaders to show them just how the work will result in both safer journeys and economic growth.

This is one of the areas that will see significant government investment, as the dual A303 and A358 in the South West will benefit from £2Bn in order to make improvements.

The scheme, which will be delivered by Highways England, will include a tunnel at Stonehenge.

Along with the A30 upgrades that will be undertaken, one of the advantages this scheme will ultimately provide is to give road users the ability to drive on the dual carriageway from London to 15 miles from Land’s End.

It is a landmark development that will result in connecting the South West with London and the South East.

The Transport Minister will also see the £1M Northern Inner Distribution Road project in Taunton.

Currently under construction, this project will alleviate town centre traffic and by unlocking land in the area for regeneration, further economic growth will be encouraged.

Andrew Minister spoke about the ‘key’ investment for the area.

He said: “Transport is key to the South West’s prosperity. That’s why, as part of our long-term economic plan, we are making the biggest investment in roads in a generation.

“The £2Bn roads investment for the South West of England and our support for local transport projects will significantly improve journeys, making it easier for people to get around and creating jobs and opportunities for hardworking people in the South West.

“It was great to meet local stakeholders, councilors and heritage groups at Stonehenge and to hear just how necessary the road plans are for their local communities.

“There is much work to be done to create the best scheme for the area and I was delighted to see all parties working together to make this scheme happen.”

The Transport Minister was also given details about the Taunton station redevelopment, which is backed by £4.6M from the government’s local growth fund, and the Minister will also see how flood risk has been reduced thanks to government investment.

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