The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that more than 50 road and rail upgrades across the UK have been confirmed.
Five major road schemes in the north and midlands are confirmed as funded including the M54 to M6 link road in Staffordshire.
DfT has also announced several rail projects including reinstating a passenger rail line between Bristol city centre and Portishead, delivering 3 new train stations.
The Midlands Rail Hub will also be completed, creating brand new rail links for more than 50 locations.
With the upgrades situated across the country, especially in the north of England, Martin Tugwell, chief executive of Transport for the North, commented: “This is great news for communities in the North, which brings forward much-needed schemes that TfN has been calling for some time.
“The A66 upgrade will bring vital new capacity to this key road artery across the North, as well bringing significant safety benefits and jobs.
“We also warmly welcome approval for Greater Manchester’s Simister Island scheme and the Middlewich Eastern Bypass in Cheshire, as well as funding for the new Haxby Station.
“We look forward to working with partners to make sure these schemes are delivered as soon as possible so they can start making a real difference to people’s lives.”
Included in the reported upgrades are 28 local road schemes which include the Middlewich Eastern Bypass and A382 Drumbridges to Newton Abbot schemes.
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This will be funded via £92bn Spending Review settlement of which approximately £10.2bn will be designated for rail enhancements whilst £24bn will be earmarked for motorways, trunk roads and local roads across the country.
DfT also reiterated its plan to continue work on the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project – scheduled for completion between 2036 and 2041.
UK 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.
“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.”
Achievements and innovations in transport planning will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
