Drivers across the East Midlands are set for smoother, safer journeys after the Government committed millions of pounds to upgrade and future-proof roads in the region.
The Mayor of the East Midlands has been working with the Government to ensure local roads get the investment they need. As such, she welcomes this new investment of £3.7 billion over five years to deliver smoother, more reliable journeys for drivers, businesses and freight operators by upgrading and resurfacing roads, fixing potholes, and replacing worn-out stretches of motorway.
Highlights of the huge investment, known as the Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3), include improving the A46 bypass at Newark and upgrades to key junctions around Derby and Nottingham to increase capacity and improve safety.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “This is a significant and welcome investment in the East Midlands and one that speaks directly to our ambition to build a stronger, more connected region.”
“For too long, communities and businesses have had to contend with infrastructure that simply hasn’t kept pace with demand: and it holds them back. Delivering these schemes will help to change that – delivering smoother journeys, improving safety, and ensuring people can get to work, education and opportunities more easily. It is part of growing the economy and giving people what they need to be prosperous.”
“The East Midlands Combined County Authority will work closely with the Department for Transport to ensure these investments are delivered in full, as soon as possible.”
Funding has been allocated for dualling the existing A46 single carriageway stretch of the Newark Bypass, between Farndon and Winthorpe roundabouts, as well as the replacement of three roundabouts on the A38 in Derby with grade-separated interchanges. Capacity will also be improved at several junctions of the A52 in Nottingham.
The schemes have been chosen on their value for money and long-term deliverability.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander said: “For too long this country has failed to tackle and fix our crumbling infrastructure, but this £3.7bn investment will secure the future of our road network in the Midlands for years to come.
“Not only are we investing in renewing our roads, meaning smoother and faster journeys for drivers, we are getting on with investing into new projects and fixing potholes, which will deliver benefits across the region.”
Midlands Connect is a regional strategic transport partnership that has worked to improve connectivity across the East and West Midlands, shaping major infrastructure priorities such as upgrades to the A46.
Newark is described as the missing piece of the puzzle for the A46 and Midlands Connect’s recommendation has been for the Government to finish this vital upgrade of the Trans-Midlands trade corridor, which “will make a massive difference” for Newark, the Midlands and the wider UK.
Work will improve journey time and reliability along the road, as well as accommodating economic growth in Newark and the wider area, by improving its strategic and local connectivity.
In Derby, A38 junctions with the A5111 at Kingsway, A52 at Markeaton and A61 at Little Eaton will be upgraded.
The road suffers from congestion and delays. Midlands Connect believes upgrading the three junctions will better connect key businesses like Rolls-Royce and Toyota, reduce commuter delays, and unlock capacity for more than 43,000 new homes by 2040.
Councillor Carmel Swan, Derby City Council cabinet member for climate change, transport and sustainability, said: “As a city built on industry and innovation, we rely on a road network that is fit for the future. This very welcome investment is a major vote of confidence in our region and a vital boost for Derby’s economy.
“By upgrading key junctions around Derby, this funding will make journeys safer, smoother and more predictable for drivers, whilst keeping our local economy moving.”
Work in Nottingham will improve junctions along the A52, one of the city’s key arterial roads.
National Highways says the road “serves as a catalyst for economic growth, supporting businesses by providing essential connections to key routes such as the A1 and M1”.
With traffic volumes predicted to grow over the coming years, millions of pounds are being invested to:
The Department for Transport (DfT) also confirmed further schemes “to be explored” for RIS4 or a future investment pipeline,
These include improvements to Junction 28 of the M1 at South Normanton, Derbyshire, “to support growth by reducing congestion on the key transport corridor of the M1 and A38” and improving junctions along the A50 corridor between Derby and Stoke-on-Trent, “improving links to the M1 and M6”.
As well as the major infrastructure projects, the Government is also investing £8.4bn to repair and renew England’s motorways and major A-roads before problems arise so, the DfT says, “drivers can have faith in a world-class road network once again”.