The UK Government has announced a £27 billion investment to upgrade and future-proof England’s roads across a five year period.
The Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) will fund major schemes that unlock growth and improve connectivity across the country, and allow National Highways (NH) to resurface over 9,000 kilometres worth of motorway and major A-road lanes
Across almost a quarter of the network, the cash will be used for projects such as dualling of the A66 between Cumbria and North Yorkshire, and support to bring private investment into the Lower Thames Crossing.
It comes alongside £8.4 billion to repairing and renewing England’s motorways and major A-roads before problems arise, and on top of the £7.3 billion already pledged for local authorities to fix potholes local road maintenance.
The green light has also been given to a further 16 road schemes on the major road network and local roads. Schemes include bypasses and junction improvements that local authorities could not deliver alone – chosen on value for money and long-term deliverability.
RIS3 sets stretching targets for National Highways on safety, journey reliability, network condition and environmental performance, allowing the UK Government “to hold them to account on delivery over the 5-year period”, it added.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said:
“Not only are we investing in renewing our roads, meaning smoother and faster journeys for drivers, we are getting on with investing into brand new projects and fixing potholes, which will deliver benefits across the country from Norwich to Manchester.”
Roads and Buses Minister, Simon Lightwood, said:
“By investing in existing infrastructure and new schemes, such as the Lower Thames Crossing and long-awaited dualling of the A66, we are giving everyone the confidence they can get from A to B faster and smoother than ever before.”
National Highways Executive Director Elliot Shaw said:
“This major investment will help boost economic growth by improving and maintaining motorways and major A roads which keep the country moving.
“When roads are well maintained, businesses and communities feel the benefit, so this funding enables us to tackle an ageing network head-on and keep drivers safe.
“Our focus on renewing vital infrastructure will keep people connected to their loved ones, support the delivery of new homes and jobs, and give industry the confidence to plan and invest in the UK.”
Image from Shutterstock
