Transport Secretary Announces Record Breaking Funding to Upgrade Roads and Improve Safety Across England

The Secretary of State for Transport has unveiled the third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3), a sweeping £27 billion plan aimed at transforming England’s major roads over the next five years.

The initiative promises to modernize infrastructure, enhance safety, and boost economic growth nationwide.

Investment Targets Growth, Jobs, and Connectivity

The government emphasizes that the Strategic Road Network is a vital economic lifeline, carrying people and goods across the country.

RIS3 is designed to support tens of thousands of jobs, strengthen supply chains, and drive growth in sectors like manufacturing, construction, and retail.

By keeping major roads running smoothly, the plan also seeks to improve living standards and regional connectivity.

Renewal Projects to Strengthen the Road Network

A major component of RIS3 is an unprecedented £8.4 billion allocated for renewals.

This includes replacing aging road surfaces, modernizing bridges and other structures, and upgrading roadside technology.

The goal is to ensure the network remains resilient, reliable, and safe for decades to come.

Enhancements to Reduce Congestion and Unlock Development

Alongside renewals, £3.8 billion will be spent on targeted enhancements to relieve traffic pinch points, improve journey time reliability, and support housing and economic development.

These upgrades are expected to create smoother travel for commuters and freight, helping businesses move goods more efficiently.

Regional Focus: Northern and Midlands Investment

In the North, over £4.4 billion will fund key projects, including upgrades to the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine route, a critical corridor for freight and regional connectivity.

This aligns with the government’s Northern Growth Strategy and complements other infrastructure investments, such as Northern Powerhouse Rail.

In the Midlands, improvements to the A46 at Newark aim to support the local logistics and manufacturing sectors while improving access to Humber ports.

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Major Road Projects: Lower Thames Crossing

The Lower Thames Crossing is highlighted as the most significant road-building project in a generation.

It is expected to ease congestion at the Dartford Crossing, improve resilience for road users, and enhance links to major ports—offering a substantial boost to the UK economy.

Safety at the Forefront

RIS3 supports the UK’s Road Safety Strategy, targeting a reduction in fatalities and serious injuries on major roads.

The Safety National Programme will focus on high-risk sections, such as the A1 between Morpeth and Scotland.

National Highways will also face ambitious targets to improve overall road safety.

Supporting Growth, Housing, and the Environment

A Small Schemes National Programme will reduce congestion to unlock economic growth, while the Growth and Housing Accelerator Fund will help clear infrastructure bottlenecks for new developments.

Environmental measures are included to improve water quality, reduce noise, protect biodiversity, and address air quality concerns.

Litter collection and potential enforcement powers for National Highways are also part of the plan.

Major Road Network and Large Local Majors Programme

The government confirmed continued support for 16 schemes under the Major Road Network and Large Local Majors Programme, with funding of around £1 billion pending business case approvals.

These projects aim to reduce congestion, unlock housing, and stimulate local economies.

Other previously proposed schemes are being withdrawn due to affordability issues, with further updates expected in early summer.

Impact and Consequences

The RIS3 investment is set to create jobs, boost economic activity, and modernize critical infrastructure across England.

By tackling congestion and safety challenges, it should improve travel reliability for commuters and businesses alike.

Environmental programs embedded within the plan also reflect a commitment to sustainable transport development.

What’s Next?

The government will continue to review and approve projects under the Major Road Network and Large Local Majors Programme.

Updates on withdrawn schemes and further approvals are expected by early summer.

Meanwhile, construction and enhancement projects will roll out regionally over the next five years.

Summary

RIS3 represents the UK government’s largest investment in road infrastructure in a generation, focusing on safety, resilience, economic growth, and environmental stewardship.

From northern corridors to major crossings, the strategy aims to strengthen connectivity, create jobs, and unlock housing and business opportunities across England.

Bulleted Takeaways

• £27 billion allocated for the third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) over five years.
• £8.4 billion dedicated to renewing road surfaces, structures, and roadside technology.
• £3.8 billion for targeted enhancements to reduce congestion and improve journeys.
• Over £4.4 billion committed to Northern projects supporting regional growth.
• Midlands A46 upgrades to aid logistics, manufacturing, and port access.
• Lower Thames Crossing to ease congestion and strengthen national connectivity.
• Safety National Programme targets high-risk roads with a goal to reduce fatalities.
• Growth and Housing Accelerator Fund to unlock constrained development sites.
• Environmental programs include water quality, air quality, biodiversity, and litter management.
• 16 Major Road Network and Large Local Majors schemes to continue, totaling ~£1 billion funding.