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Government unveils £6.1 billion programme for the road network in the UK

The Government unveils £6.1 billion programme forthe road network in England, as part of a larger budget of £23 billion upgrade.

Transport Minister Jesse Norman has presented the programme for improvement to major roads and motorways, which aims to reduce congestion, create better local connections and improve passenger journeys.

This will also include the route for the new A19 Downhill Lane junction, according to a press release published by gov.uk.

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The new junction will support the international manufacturing park by increasing road capacity, easing traffic and improving safety.

In the next 6 months, the government will take the next steps to improve 55 roads accross England, including opening 8 schemes, consulting on 10 schemes and publishing final plans for another 29 schemes.

Transport Minister Jesse Norman said that road users will soon enjoy the benefits of this improvements

“Road users across England should soon be seeing the benefits of these improvements in their daily lives, which are designed to link people better with their jobs, friends, family and local amenities, as well as connecting businesses with customers.”

The official added she will soon announce the winners of the 2017 to 2018 highways maintenance challenge fund, where the government will be investing £75 million to improve smaller local roads including through resurfacing, filling potholes and other infrastructure projects.

Upgrades include adding capacity to sections of the A1 in Northumberland. This shortens journey times, supports economic growth and improves access to and from the county.

Road users will also see proposals to increase capacity at the A12 Colchester Bypass to reduce delays and will also see a new strategic corridor to the south-west via the A303, which will improve journey times to enhance the world heritage site.

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Other improvements include a more efficient Junction 19 on the M6 and an upgrade to the link between the Port of Liverpool and the motorway network.

The announcements are important next steps to progress the schemes announced in the 2014 road investment strategy, which outlines how £15.2 billion will be invested in our strategic roads between 2015 and 2021.

The schemes will be delivered by Highways England, which is responsible for the country’s motorways and main trunk roads.

Alexa Stewart

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