A multi-billion pound investment in the South East’s Strategic Road Network will take place over the next five years following confirmation of the Government’s Roads Investment Strategy for 2020-25.
A dozen schemes from across the region have been included in the programme, with three committed for construction and a further eight ‘pipeline’ schemes to be developed ready for construction in the following five-year funding period.
Transport for the South East previously submitted a shortlist of 16 regional priority schemes to the Department for Transport by Transport for the South East.
The schemes committed for construction are:
- Lower Thames Crossing incl. Option C variant (M2 Junction 3 and M20 Junction 6)
- A27 East of Lewes
- A27 Worthing & Lancing
Cllr Keith Glazier, chair of Transport for the South East, said: “A high-quality, reliable transport network is absolutely critical to our region’s continued success, so it’s good news that some of our region’s top priority roads schemes have been given the green light.
“These targeted road improvements will deliver big improvements including reduced congestion, better air quality and improved walking and cycling routes.”
The Department for Transport also confirmed that a regional priority scheme to improve the A326 in Hampshire – part of a separate government funding pot for Large Local Major schemes worth more than £50m – has been approved to move to the next stage of development.
Also announced in the Budget was £1bn of measures to support green transport solutions, including funding for an expanded electric vehicle charge network and financial support for people and businesses purchasing new electric vehicles.
Cllr Glazier continued: “We know that transport is the single biggest contributor to UK greenhouse gas emissions. So while the government’s commitment to invest in our road network is hugely welcome, Transport for the South East is also focusing on how we can best support the UK’s journey to a net-zero carbon economy.
“Our thirty-year transport strategy is clear that we need to go further, faster to encourage take-up of cleaner fuel alternatives, greater use of public transport and harness the potential of new technology to transform the way we travel. The announcement of £1bn to support the transition to greener journeys will help people and businesses in the South East and across the UK to make positive changes and support a sustainable future.”