Government launches £100m road improvement scheme as part of pandemic recovery plans

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged £100m of investment aimed at improving local roads as part of a bid to reignite the economy in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The twenty-nine projects range from fixing deteriorating roads to flood mitigation measures and repairs to key bridges. They also include improvements to a number of A roads from the A58 by Bolton to the A38 running through Somerset.

Key projects include £4.9m of repair works to two bridges in Sandwell ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games and £5m each for key route network improvements in Liverpool, further maintenance on the Swanswell Viaduct in Coventry, and for road maintenance on the Tadcaster Road in York.

Another £4.5m will be dedicated to boosting the quality of the A15 in the Humber region.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “As the country begins the recovery from Covid-19, we need to get on the front foot and invest in infrastructure in every region to reignite the economy, helping better connect people with opportunities in the future.

“By investing £100m in local roads and reaffirming our commitment to better connecting communities, we are not just talking about levelling up – but making it happen.”

The government has also announced today it will work with devolved administrations to carry out a ‘connectivity review’, looking at how best to improve road, rail, air and sea links between our four nations.

RHA MD of policy Rod McKenzie said: “Any investment in Britain’s crumbling road network is welcome, particularly as our strategic road network has suffered from underinvestment for many years.

“But we now need to see the details of when these projects will be delivered. At the same time the government needs to ensure these projects tackle congestion whilst also being good for the environment and good for business.”

Natalie Chapman, FTA head of urban policy said: "We are pleased to see the government has recognised the economic importance of effective road infrastructure in its Covid-19 economic recovery plan, announced today.

"Businesses within the logistics sector rely on safe, efficient and well-maintained road networks to keep goods moving across the UK, so this road improvement programme will help aid the UK’s economic recovery from the pandemic. We look forward to seeing more details of the projects emerge and will be working with government to ensure the schemes deliver the best outcome for our members.”