A38 Derby and A34 Newark Bypass given green light for vast improvements

Over 50 road and rail upgrades across England have been given the green light, including some in the East Midlands.

Commuters and travellers are expected to benefit from quicker journeys and better connections thanks to the projects, which are backed by £92b from the Spending Review settlement. The government is calling it the biggest boost to England's transport infrastructure in a generation.

Among the projects are the A38 Derby Junctions (Derby), which will support 15,400 new homes, and the A46 Newark Bypass in Nottinghamshire, which could support thousands of new jobs and homes, if planning approval is granted.

Investment will also benefit existing rail users. The East Coast Main Line, which runs the length of the country, is already benefiting from an increase to capacity and frequency and will also receive new, upgraded digital signalling, boosting capability and resilience of the line, and reducing delays by one third. This rollout will support new digital skills in the rail sector and the creation of 4,800 new roles across the supply chain.

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.

“With over £92 billion investment, including the biggest ever boost for city regions in the North and Midlands, we’re delivering the schemes that fast-track economic growth and jobs, connect communities, and will help us build 1.5 million new homes, as we deliver our Plan for Change.

“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.”

These new infrastructure commitments are backed by £92 billion of Government funding to invest in more projects across England, including record levels of funding for upgrading our road and rail networks, extending the £3 bus cap, providing £1 billion to enhance the local road network and create a new Structures Fund.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “These vital investments are long overdue, will transform local communities and improve living standards across the country.

"Investments like these are only possible because we took the right decisions to stabilise our public finances and changed the fiscal rules so we can invest in Britain’s renewal, grow the economy and put more money in working people's pockets."