Through a £160.8 million investment in four key road projects across England, motorists, pedestrians, and bicycles will benefit from decreased congestion and increased connectivity.
The government unveiled four plans today (3 June 2022) in Newcastle, Cornwall, Greater Manchester, and Southampton that will produce an estimated £659.3 million in economic benefits for the regions through enhanced investment, new homes, and employment opportunities.
The road and bridge projects will improve infrastructure across the country, boosting local economies through increased job opportunities, new housing complexes, and improved connectivity to encourage business investment.
The four major road projects announced today, totaling £160.8 million in funding, are as follows:
£78.5 million for a new 3.85-mile (6.2-kilometer) motorway connecting St Austell to the A30 — Cornwall’s primary transportation route, delivering 6,300 additional local jobs – Because of a new shared pedestrian and cycling infrastructure that runs alongside the whole length of the new road, the proposal will create about £112 million in broader economic advantages such as decreased travel times, increased investment in the surrounding region, and improved options for clean mobility.
£35.3 million for essential maintenance of the Tyne Bridge and adjacent Central Motorway, including improvements to traffic management and cycle route facilities – the repairs will generate £130.5 million in economic benefits by improving local connectivity, reducing congestion, and improving air quality by avoiding HGV rerouting through residential areas.
With a projected economic benefit of £76.8 million, the scheme will support the creation of more than 2,500 new dwellings and 33.3 hectares of employment space, as well as improve transportation linkages to Manchester Airport and HS2.
The A35 Redbridge Causeway — a critical route between the New Forest, Southampton, and its port – will get £13.4 million in essential maintenance. The proposal is expected to provide excellent value for money, generating about £340 million in direct economic benefits through greater connectivity, more employment and housing prospects, and the growth of the Port of Southampton.
Baroness Vere, Minister for Roads, stated:
We are committed to delivering world-class infrastructure across all parts of the country which supports local economies to thrive.
This £160.8 million investment will level up those opportunities from the North East to the South West, while giving motorists, cyclists and pedestrians the modern, safe and uncongested roads they deserve.
These schemes also present yet another important stepping stone towards cutting emissions and building a clean, efficient road network that is truly accessible to all.
These initiatives will also improve green travel alternatives for bicycles and walkers, promoting low-emission, active transport and contributing to the country’s net zero goals.
The expenditure is one of a series of government initiatives to promote active travel and help level the country by improving road infrastructure.
These include £200 million to encourage cycling and walking, more than £5 billion for highway maintenance from 2020 to 2025, and the implementation of a new inspection regime to combat the issue of potholes.
Martin McTague, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said:
Investment in local infrastructure projects is vital to improving connectivity across the country, reducing congestion and upgrading the roads that small businesses use on a day to day basis.
Small firms and sole traders rely heavily on road networks to be accessible, efficient and safe. They are also looking to reduce environmental impact and improve the air quality in their local community – and so embrace green travel options when they are available.
Our economic recovery relies on a solid transport system and this latest investment is a positive step in the right direction.