Ease congestion of Britain’s worst roads. Councils in England have been awarded funding to refurbish bridges,improve junctions and boost flood defences as part of a multi-million pound government investment announced by transport minister Jesse Norman.
Nineteen projects across the country will receive a share of £75 million of government investment for essential road maintenance.
The local funding announcement comes as Highways England says it has completed seven major schemes valued at more than £800m in the past year and a further 15 will start or open in 2017/18.
Local authorities were challenged to put forward schemes which could make a real difference to road users for a share of the £75m. Winning projects include junction improvements, repairs and resurfacing, flood resilience measures, bridge and viaduct refurbishment, and improved drainage.
The improvements aim to cut congestion, reduce journey times and improve reliability, as well as helping to support local businesses and boost economic growth. The minister said: “We are taking the big decisions for Britain’s future by investing in the infrastructure the country needs and ensuring motorists have the well maintained roads they expect and deserve.
“This investment will enable councils to repair roads and key infrastructure like bridges – boosting reliability on our roads so people can stay connected with family, friends and employment, while also keeping businesses connected with customers.”
Most of the schemes will be delivered within the next 12 months, so many drivers will see an immediate impact.
Among the projects which will receive funding is a £4.6m refurbishment of the A589 Greyhound Bridge in Lancashire, enabling HGVs to access the bridge, boosting access for businesses and securing skilled jobs locally.
Road users in Devon will benefit from a major carriageway and drainage renewal scheme to regenerate the dual-carriageway stretch of the A361. This will improve access from Devon to the M5, supporting local businesses and aiding tourism in the region.
In Northumberland, £5m for crucial maintenance will repair and strengthen key routes for the rural and regional economy, giving a boost to tourism by making it easier for visitors
to reach destinations such as Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage site and Northumberland National Park.
The challenge fund is one part of the £6.1 billion being provided to local highway authorities in England, outside London, between 2015 to 2016 and 2020 to 2021.
