As part of the Government’s commitment to fuel the economic
recovery from Covid-19, the Transport Secretary has today (Saturday 30 January) pledged £93m for
major road upgrades across the country.
The Northern Powerhouse is set to receive over half of the
funding, with up to £56m for a dramatic overhaul of the Kex
Gill section of the A59 in North Yorkshire. This will
significantly improve connectivity between the historic
northern towns of Harrogate and Skipton. The proposed new road
will divert traffic away from the landslip-prone Kex Gill part
of the route, helping to remove traffic from nearby villages
and offering more reliable journeys to thousands of people in
the region every day.
The West Midlands will benefit from a £24m investment to reduce
congestion at Birchley Island, situated at the intersection of
the M5, A4123 and A4034 – which is expected to boost
employment, improve air quality and increase the region’s
manufacturing output. The proposed scheme will widen the
existing carriageway on the roundabout and introduce additional
lanes, all of which will improve connectivity between the
midlands and the national motorway network. Pedestrians and
cyclists will also see improved facilities for greener travel
at the intersection.
Elsewhere, Hampshire is in line for £13m worth of crucial
upgrades to the Redbridge Causeway bridges over the River Test,
which carry roughly 60,000 vehicles a day. The bridges provide
important access for local businesses and hauliers to the Port
of Southampton, and link the New Forest waterside area to
Southampton. Today’s funding follows ministers’ agreement to
speed up delivery of the proposed maintenance work, which will
ensure journeys in the region remain safe and reliable for tens
of thousands of road users while more disruptive works –
hampering people’s ability to use the vital route – aren’t
needed in the future.
Transport Secretary ,
said:
“I am delighted to announce this significant funding package
which will ensure millions of people can continue to travel
easily and safely. It’s further proof of this Government
delivering on its promise to level up the country – putting
transport at the heart of our efforts to build back better
from Covid-19.
“The projects will help people access work and education, as
well as ensuring vital connectivity for local businesses.
“While everyone will see the benefits of these schemes in
time, for now it’s important to remember to only travel for
the permitted reasons while we continue to prioritise
protecting public health and preventing the spread of the
virus. Through staying at home you can help stop the virus
and save lives.”
Chief Secretary to the Treasury ,
said:
“Upgrading the country’s roads doesn’t just help drivers –
it’ll mean more jobs, safer journeys and more reliable access
to things like education and work.
“This government is pressing ahead with our commitment to
level up the country – even through this pandemic – ensuring
that everyone has equal opportunity to get on in life
regardless of where they live.”
The total cost of the three schemes is expected to reach £107m,
with local councils providing the remainder of the funding
following the Department for Transport’s £93m investment –
pending the completion of all legal processes.
