Labour has unveiled a massive £27billion plan to repair and upgrade England’s ageing roads, promising smoother journeys for millions of drivers.
The funding, part of the new Road Investment Strategy, will be spent over the next five years on motorways and major A-roads across the country.
The plan focuses heavily on fixing crumbling infrastructure, including resurfacing roads, repairing potholes, and replacing worn-out sections of motorway. More than 9,000 kilometres of lanes, nearly a quarter of the network, are expected to be renewed.
Major projects will also be funded, including the long-awaited dualling of the A66 between Cumbria and North Yorkshire.
The Government has also backed plans to bring in private investment for the Lower Thames Crossing, a new route east of London aimed at cutting congestion.
In total, £8.4billion will go towards maintaining and repairing existing motorways and major A-roads before they deteriorate further. This comes on top of £7.3billion already promised to councils to tackle potholes and improve local roads.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the newly announced investment marks a turning point after years of neglect.
She said: “For too long this country has failed to tackle and fix our crumbling infrastructure, but this huge £27billion investment in our roads will secure the future of our road network for years to come.”
Labour has approved new funding for A-roads, motorways and repair works of potholes
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PA/GETTYShe added: “Not only are we investing in renewing our roads, meaning smoother and faster journeys for drivers, we are also getting on with investing in brand new projects and fixing potholes, which will deliver benefits across the country from Norwich to Manchester.”
Alongside the national programme, 16 key road schemes have also been approved, including bypasses and junction upgrades. Ministers explained that these projects will help unlock economic growth and support thousands of new jobs and homes.
Roads Minister Simon Lightwood said the funding would make a real difference to drivers and businesses.
He said: “This government is firmly putting its money where its mouth is, and this new funding will be transformational for the millions of drivers and thousands of businesses that rely on our motorways and A roads every day.
“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.”
The Lower Thames Crossing would connect to the A2 and M2 in Kent | NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
National Highways also welcomed the announcement, saying it would help deal with an ageing road network and keep people moving.
Executive Director Elliot Shaw shared: “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.”
The Government explained how the wider aim is to boost economic growth by improving reliability on key routes and keeping supply chains moving.
The Government has created an interactive map showing all the new road schemes
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DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT
Under the plan, National Highways will be set strict targets on safety, journey times and road conditions, with ministers promising to hold them to account over the next five years.
An interactive map has also been published showing where upgrades and improvements will take place across England.
The announcement comes as pressure continues to mount over the state of Britain’s roads, with potholes and congestion a growing concern for drivers nationwide.