The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has announced £90m of government funding to upgrade four major road schemes in England.
Part of the Plan for Change, the DfT hopes that the schemes will significantly speed up journeys – boosting the local economy – improve links between the east and the west, and save hundreds of commuting hours.
The schemes approved are:
- A350 Chippenham Bypass phases 4 and 5 in Wiltshire
- A647 Dawsons Corner and Stanningley Bypass in Leeds
- South East Aylesbury Link Road (SEALR) in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
- A127/A130 Fairglen Interchange in Essex
The A350 Chippenham Bypass is expected to see journey times reduced by up to 25%, with two sections of the road to be dualled and improvements made to the roundabout.
DfT reports that the area around the A647 Dawsons Corner and Stanningley Bypass in Leeds has seen high traffic levels worsen over the years, impacting bus services in particular.
The replacement of the roundabout and structural renewal of the bypass is expected to increase the number of bus passengers, speeding up traffic for all modes of road transport.
Upgrades to the SEALR scheme will also reduce air pollution in the town centre, link up new developments in the area and create more walking and cycling options, with a new 1.2 kilometre 2-lane dual carriageway link road.
The future of roads minister Lilian Greenwood said: “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.
“Economic growth has been stunted for too long, so we’re giving the green light and investing in vital schemes to help people get from A to B more easily however they choose to travel.”
Achievements and innovations in transport planning will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
