The government has announced funding of £160.8m for four transport schemes in England following successful bids by local authorities.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that it will fund major road projects in Newcastle, Cornwall, Greater Manchester and Southampton. The successful bidders – Cornwall County Council, Newcastle City Council, Stockport Council and Hampshire County Council – will provide additional funding to complete the projects.
In total, the schemes will generate an estimated £659.3m in economic benefits for the regions.
Roads minister Baroness Charlotte Vere said: “This £160.8m 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.”
She said the funding will also increase green travel opportunities to support low-emission, active travel that will help achieve net-zero goals.
Vere added: “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.”
Nearly half of the funding (£78.5m) has been secured by Cornwall Council following its bid for a new road linking St Austell to the A30. It is estimated that this will generate £112m in wider economic benefits and increased investment in the area.
Cornwall Council leader Linda Taylor said: “This link will make a huge difference for residents and businesses who have wanted it for many years. We put forward a strong bid to government and I’m delighted that the Department for Transport has now confirmed the funding.”
The government will also invest £33.6m in the A34 Corridor Improvement Scheme to ease congestion and aid accessibility in Greater Manchester, £35.3m for refurbishment of the Tyne Bridge, and £13.4m for essential maintenance of Southampton’s A35 Redbridge Causeway.
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