The UK government has 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 an overhaul of the Kex Gill section of the A59 in North Yorkshire. Not only will it improve connectivity between the towns of Harrogate and Skipton, the proposed new road will also divert traffic away from the landslip-prone Kex Gill part of the route, helping to remove traffic from nearby villages.
The West Midlands will receive £24m to reduce congestion at Birchley Island, situated at the intersection of the M5, A4123 and A4034. The proposed scheme will widen the existing carriageway on the roundabout and introduce additional lanes, improving 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 of upgrades to the Redbridge Causeway bridges over the River Test, which carry roughly 60,000 vehicles a day. The bridges provide access for local businesses and hauliers to the Port of Southampton, and link the New Forest waterside area to Southampton.
Steve Barclay, 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.”
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.
