New £15bn Plans Announced To Improve Capacity And Condition Of Routes

The Government has announced a £15 billion plan to triple levels of spending on England’s infrastructure in an effort to improve the capacity and condition of roads in the country.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin and Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander have confirmed plans in the first-ever Road Investment Strategy to invest in more than 100 new road schemes across this parliament and next.

Central to the plans are £1.5 billion investment to add extra lanes onto key motorways to them into smart motorways, boosting connectivity between London, Birmingham, Manchester and Yorkshire.

Patrick McLoughlin described the proposals as the “biggest, boldest and most far-reaching roads programme for decades”.

Danny Alexander added: “World class infrastructure is vital if we are to build a stronger economy, but it matters in other ways to. It invigorates communities and gives people more opportunities to get on in life.”

Expert Opinion

We have been waiting for some form of announcement for a few years and that, if followed through, it is to be welcomed now. <br/> <br/>"UK infrastructure spending will not only give the construction industry the boost it needs, but will be central to developing links between the capital, Birmingham and northern cities. Such changes will play a huge part in unlocking the potential which these regional areas have in terms of talent and skills."