Highway

Highways England has launched a £2bn plan to help improve the capacity and condition of roads across the east of England, UK.

Covering major improvements and repairs on the M11, A5 and M1, A1(M), A12, A14, A47 and A428 roads between 2015 and 2021, the plan aims to give simpler, faster and more reliable journeys to road users, as well as boost the area’s economy.

The work forms part of the UK Government’s ‘Road Investment Strategy,’ which seeks to triple levels of spending on the country’s roads by the end of the decade.

"They will create vital links at local, regional and national level to unlock growth, increase capacity and tackle congestion."

Highways England major projects in the south and east director Ken Simmonds said: "These improvements will bring significant long-term benefits to road users on motorways and major A roads in the east of England, as well as to local residents and the economy as a whole.

"They will create vital links at local, regional and national level to unlock growth, increase capacity and tackle congestion."

Works has already started on some of the schemes such as the A5-M1 Link Dunstable Northern Bypass in Bedfordshire, which involves the construction of a new link between two major roads north of Dunstable, to help reduce congestion and boost economic growth.

The government-owned company aims to start work on other schemes in the region by 2019/20.

In a related development, Highways England also detailed how £1.8bn of taxpayers’ money would be invested on boosting the capacity and condition of motorways and A roads in the West Midlands region between now and 2021.

Additionally, the plan will see he company invest millions into maintenance schemes, environmental improvements and provision for cyclists throughout the Midlands.

Image: UK is investing more than £2bn to improve the capacity and condition of roads across the east of England. Photo: courtesy of Highways England/© Crown copyright.