By the end of 2017 the government intends to develop plans for 55 road improvement projects across England, opening eight schemes, consulting on 10 schemes and publishing final plans for another 29 schemes.
Transport minister Jesse Norman said: “Over the next six months we expect to roll out our vital upgrade plan – taking next steps on £6.1bn-worth of schemes and seeking to hear from local people, organisations and businesses to help shape our plans and ensure they benefit local communities.
“And shortly I also plan to announce the winners of the 2017 to 2018 highways maintenance challenge fund, where the government will be investing £75m to improve smaller local roads including through resurfacing, filling potholes and other infrastructure projects.”
Upgrades include adding capacity to sections of the A1 in Northumberland, the A12 Colchester Bypass and the A303 Sparkford to Ilchester section.
Other projects include an improved Junction 19 on the M6 and an upgrade to the link between the Port of Liverpool and the motorway network.
Today’s announcements takes forward schemes announced in the 2014 road investment strategy, which set out a £15.2bn programme for 2015 to 2021. The schemes will be delivered by Highways England, the body responsible for the country’s motorways and main trunk roads.
Highways England chief executive Jim O’Sullivan said: “These milestones are critical elements of our current work and we are extremely pleased that we are on track to deliver them.”
