Jessica O'ConnorMore than 50 transport infrastructure upgrades across England have been approved by the Government, in a move expected to support over 42,000 new jobs and unlock nearly 39,000 homes.
The announcement, published by the Department for Transport and HM Treasury, outlines a £92bn package of investment in road and rail schemes designed to improve connectivity and drive local economic growth.
The approved projects include five nationally significant road upgrades such as the M54 to M6 link in Staffordshire, the Simister Island interchange in Greater Manchester, the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine route, the A46 Newark Bypass in Nottinghamshire, and the A5036 Port of Liverpool access.
Several major rail initiatives have also been given the go-ahead. These include the long-awaited Midlands Rail Hub, expected to be the biggest rail project in the region’s history, and the £27m reinstatement of the Portishead to Bristol rail line.
According to the Government, these schemes will not only improve journey times and reduce congestion but also enable large-scale housing developments in connected areas.
Other projects such as new stations at Wellington, Cullompton, and Haxby are also set to proceed, creating opportunities for further growth and regional regeneration.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Transport is the backbone of our economy, which is why we are giving them the record funding boost they need, putting taxpayers’ money where it matters most and making everyday journeys easier.
“With over £92 billion investment, including the biggest ever boost for city regions in the north and Midlands, we’re delivering the schemes that fast-track economic growth and jobs, connect communities, and will help us build 1.5 million new homes, as we deliver our Plan for Change.
“We’re forging ahead with the vital new transport infrastructure Britain needs, and improving what we’ve already got, to deliver a new era of renewal and opportunity.”
The schemes are expected to support a wide range of employment, from construction and engineering to roles within the rail supply chain.
For example, the digital signalling upgrades to the East Coast Main Line alone are estimated to support around 4,800 jobs.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “These vital investments are long overdue, will transform local communities and improve living standards across the country.
“Investments like these are only possible because we took the right decisions to stabilise our public finances and changed the fiscal rules so we can invest in Britain’s renewal, grow the economy and put more money in working people’s pockets.”
