Highways England

The UK Government has confirmed that new company Highways England will run motorways and major A roads from 1 April 2015.

The new arms-length government company will take over the operation of the motorways and major trunk roads from the Highways Agency.

In December, the government’s Autumn Statement announced the ‘Road Investment Strategy’, which set out the way Highways England plans to spend £15.2bn on 84 new national road projects to help improve connectivity.

Plans were also announced to tackle longstanding problems, including a new strategic corridor to the south-west through the A303, in addition to a 1.8 mile tunnel at Stonehenge, a proposal of approximately £2bn.

"This marks a significant way forward in how our strategic road network is delivered and managed."

As part of the ‘Road Investment Strategy’ a £4.5bn proposal was included to add an additional lane to the key motorways to boost connectivity between London, Birmingham, Manchester and Yorkshire.

Highways England will have new longer-term funding and can plan ahead, invest in skills and equipment to speed up essential work and reduce costs to the taxpayer.

Said to be part of a radical package of road reform, the move is expected to save the taxpayer at least £2.6bn over the next ten years.

UK Transport Minister John Hayes said: "This marks a significant way forward in how our strategic road network is delivered and managed.

"Ensuring we have well-maintained roads and motorways is essential to a modern transport system that will boost our economy, create jobs and give more choice about where we live and work whilst delivering billions in savings."

Other measures include nine major improvements along the A1 from Berwick to London and extension of the continuous dual carriageway 24 miles further north, part of £2.3bn worth of new investment in Yorkshire and the north-east.

Image: Highways England will take over the operation of the motorways. Photo: courtesy of Crown.