The overall £27bn package of investment for the next five years includes £24.9bn to operate, maintain, renew and enhance the network, £1.65bn for publicly-funded works associated with the Lower Thames Crossing, and £402m set aside for planned inward investment projects.
Introducing the new strategy, transport minister Heidi Alexander said, “For too long this country has failed to tackle and fix our crumbling infrastructure, but this huge £27 billion investment in our roads will secure the future of our road network for years to come.
“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.”
National Highways executive director Elliot Shaw said, “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.”
The strategy gives National Highways the go ahead to develop a series of projects across the country. These are now mapped, alongside other SRN, major road network and large local road network projects, with a new interactive tool.
One of the most significant will be the expansion of the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine route, expanding remaining sections of single-carriageways to duel, and making imporvements to junction at Penrith and Scotch Corner. The project aims to take traffic off of the ‘overused’ M62.
Other major enhancements that will start under RIS3 include projects on A38 Derby junctions, the A46 Newark bypass, M54 to M6 link road, and the M60, M62, and M66 Simister Island interchange.
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