Government road funding has been announced including £90 million investment to enhance four major road schemes in Wiltshire, Leeds, Essex, and Buckinghamshire. These projects aim to reduce journey times, bolster local economies, and improve east-west connectivity.

The approved schemes are:

  • A350 Chippenham Bypass (Phases 4 and 5), Wiltshire: Plans include dualling two sections of the road and upgrading the roundabout, potentially reducing journey times by up to 25%. This route is crucial for connecting the South West with the Midlands and South East.
  • A647 Dawsons Corner and Stanningley Bypass, Leeds: Improvements are expected to ease congestion and enhance traffic flow in the area.
  • South East Aylesbury Link Road (SEALR), Buckinghamshire: This new link road aims to improve local traffic distribution and support regional development.
  • A127/A130 Fairglen Interchange, Essex: Upgrades to this interchange are set to improve traffic movement and safety.

Collectively, these government road funding projects are anticipated to save businesses and road users hundreds of hours weekly, contributing to the government’s Plan for Change to elevate living standards nationwide.

Local communities will benefit from decreased traffic on smaller roads, enhanced safety, and improved access to employment opportunities. Businesses are expected to experience time and cost savings due to better access to key parts of the UK’s road freight network.

This government road funding is part of a broader government initiative to expedite infrastructure delivery across the UK, focusing on enhancing the road network to stimulate economic growth. Additionally, a record £1.6 billion has been allocated to repair roads and fill approximately seven million potholes, further improving driving conditions.

Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, stated:

“The UK’s roads are the backbone of a growing economy, which is why we’re giving these vital schemes the go ahead, helping deliver our Plan for Change and improving journeys for millions of people.”

James Barwise, RHA policy lead, said:

“Congestion costs the UK economy £30.8bn a year so we welcome the Government’s commitment to improving our roads by green lighting these vital schemes. Better roads can speed up journeys and unlock economic growth across the country.”

The RHA launched its vision for boosting the economy with their The Future of Roads Report last month where they set out how and why road building is vital for improving connectivity:https://www.rha.uk.net/news/news/detail/rha-launches-roads-report-investing-in-roads-brings-26bil-boost-to-economy.

For more like this, visit the Trucking Magazine website, or subscribe to Trucking Magazine here