The UK Government is planning a series of major road and bridge upgrades, intended to boost economic growth across England.
Four projects will be carried out. Motorists, pedestrians and cyclists will benefit from reduced congestion and improved connectivity through a £160.8 million investment in the road projects. The four schemes will be carried out in Newcastle, Cornwall, Greater Manchester and Southampton.
The road and bridge schemes include £78.5 million for a new 6.2km road linking St Austell to the A30. The project will reduce journey times and also provide a new shared pedestrian and cycle facility running alongside the whole length of the new road.
A budget of £35.3 million will be used for essential maintenance to the Tyne Bridge and adjacent Central Motorway, including improvements to traffic management and cycle route facilities. The repairs will help to tackle congestion and poor air quality as they will avoid the rerouting of HGVs through residential areas.
Congestion will be reduced for the A34 between Greater Manchester and Stockport, while there will also be measures to improve walking and cycling accessibility with the project costing £33.6 million. The project will also transport links to Manchester Airport and HS2.
Essential maintenance to the A35 Redbridge Causeway in Southampton will cost £13.4 million. This important link between New Forest, Southampton and its port will deliver better connectivity and help with the expansion of the Port of Southampton.
The A303 Stonehenge Bypass project will be a major contract.