The Mayor of the East Midlands has highlighted the critical role of transport investment in keeping the region moving, following the publication of national road maintenance ratings and ongoing plans for long-term improvements to our highways and local transport networks.
Transport investment is essential for connecting communities, supporting businesses, and enabling residents to reach school, work, and leisure. From major routes to residential streets, well-maintained roads and transport infrastructure improves safety, reduces congestion, and make daily journeys easier for everyone.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “Our roads are more than tarmac, they’re the centre of our economy and communities. Investing in them is essential. Every pound spent on maintenance and improvements delivers safer streets, more reliable journeys, and stronger local economies.”
At the latest meeting of the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s transport and digital connectivity committee, a three-year transport investment package worth £121 million each year for highways maintenance was agreed and recommended for approval at EMCCA board. This funding will tackle potholes, worn road surfaces, footways, cycleways, street lighting, and key infrastructure repairs, while also supporting proactive maintenance to prevent future damage.
Additionally, £13.5m per year has been approved for local neighbourhood transport projects, improving safety, accessibility, and daily travel for communities.
Transport investment is already delivering results:
Key projects under way include:
Mayor Claire said: “This year is the year of delivery for roads and transport in the East Midlands. With over £121m invested in highways and £13.5m in local projects, residents will soon see improvements in safety, accessibility, and journey quality.”
Investment in transport is not just about roads, it also enhances walking, cycling, and public transport. Nottingham’s Porchester Road scheme, funded through EMCCA and Active Travel England, received £2.7m to create segregated cycle paths, safer crossings, resurfaced roads, upgraded bus stops, and improved junction layouts, benefiting residents, businesses, and schools.
Mayor Claire said: “Investing in sustainable travel gives people real choice about how they move, while supporting a cleaner, healthier, and more connected East Midlands.”
Through targeted funding and integrated transport improvements, EMCCA and its partners are ensuring that the East Midlands remains safe, connected, and ready for the future.
The recent funding comes as Mayor Claire continues her Big Transport Conversation, inviting residents to shape a cleaner, safer, and better-connected transport system for the region. Buses remain a key focus, with plans to improve reliability, affordability, accessibility, and connections between communities, alongside action to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and support greener travel.
There is less than one week to go for people to have their say, with common suggestions so far including: more frequent bus services; better connectivity across the region; fewer potholes and better-maintained roads; new tram lines; safer cycling routes; and easier ticketing.
The Big Transport Conversation runs until 8 February, giving people across the East Midlands the opportunity to help shape the transport network they want to see by 2040. Click here to have your say.