Transport secretary, Grant Shapps, has revealed that £93m will be used for road upgrades around the UK. 

The investment is part of the government’s pledge to ‘fuel the economic recovery’ from Covid-19.

More than half of the money announced will be allocated to the Northern Powerhouse. 

North Yorkshire will receive up to £56m, which will be used to overall the Key Gill section of the A59. The goal is to improve the connectivity between Harrogate and Skipton.

In the West Midlands, a £24m investment is designed to help cut congestion at Birchley Island – the intersection of the M5, A4123 and A4034. 

The government says the project will not only improve air quality, it will also boost employment and manufacturing output.

Road upgrades to the Redbridge Causeway bridges over the River Test in Hampshire are also part of the plan.

The route carries 60,000 vehicles a day, including hauliers heading to Southampton port and is in line for £13m.

A government source said that the funding follows the agreement to ‘speed up delivery of proposed maintenance work’. 

Action now will mean safer roads and no need for more disruptive works in the future.

“The funding package will ensure millions of people can continue to travel easily and safely,” said Shapps. “It’s further proof of this government delivering on its promise to level up the country.

“The projects will help people access work and education, as well as ensuring vital connectivity for businesses,” he added.

The three schemes outlines above are set to cost £107m in total. The remaining funds will be provided by local councils – pending the completion of all legal processes.