The Government has given the green light to more than 50 road and rail upgrades with millions of commuters and businesses set to benefit.
Along with major road schemes including the M54 to M6 link road in Staffordshire, the M60/M62/M66 Simister Island in Greater Manchester, and the A46 Newark Bypass in Nottinghamshire, the government has announced key rail projects across the country.
These include the long-awaited A66 Northern Trans-Pennine route, the delivery of three brand new train stations, and funding for a Midlands Rail Hub. In addition, the government is investing a further £27 million to reinstate passenger rail services between Portishead and Bristol city centre.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Roads and railways are the backbone of our economy, which is why we are giving them the record funding boost they need, putting taxpayer’s money where it matters most and making every day journeys easier.
“With over £92 billion investment, including the biggest ever boost for city regions in the north and Midlands, we’re delivering the schemes that fast-track economic growth and jobs, connect communities, and will help us build 1.5 million new homes, as we deliver our Plan for Change.
“We’re forging ahead with the vital new transport infrastructure Britain needs, and improving what we’ve already got, to deliver a new era of renewal and opportunity.”
These new infrastructure commitments are backed by £92 billion of government funding to invest in more projects across England, including record levels of funding for upgrading our road and rail networks, extending the £3 bus cap, providing £1 billion to enhance the local road network and create a new structures fund.
Browse the interactive map of road and rail investment schemes
Of the £92.8 billion, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has already announced £10.2 billion for rail enhancements, improving connectivity and unlocking growth in key areas of the UK, which have for too long struggled with unreliable, infrequent services.
She said: “These vital investments are long overdue, will transform local communities and improve living standards across the country.
“Investments like these are only possible because we took the right decisions to stabilise our public finances and changed the fiscal rules so we can invest in Britain’s renewal, grow the economy and put more money in working people’s pockets.”
Investment will also benefit existing rail users. The East Coast Main Line, which runs the length of the country, is already benefiting from an increase to capacity and frequency and will also receive new, upgraded digital signalling, boosting capability and resilience of the line, and reducing delays by one third. This rollout will support new digital skills in the rail sector and the creation of 4,800 new roles across the supply chain.
This continued funding for rail schemes up and down the country should open up access to jobs, grow the economy and drive up quality of life.
Ben Plowden, chief executive of Campaign for Better Transport, commented: “We’re pleased to see a number of important rail projects being given the green light today. In particular, we’re glad to see the Bristol to Portishead line finally getting the go ahead. This line was one of the projects under the Government’s hastily cancelled Restoring Your Railway Fund – also responsible for the successful Northumberland Line reopening – which we have urged the Government to reinstate to ensure other key reopening projects can also move forward.
“We are however disappointed that many more road schemes are being given the go ahead today. The best way to ease congestion, cut journey times and bring greater access to jobs and opportunities across the country is not by building more roads. It is by prioritising public transport and reducing future car dependency by putting new housing in the right place where it can be connected to public transport, walking and cycling networks from day one.”
Image credit: iStockphoto.com
