£138 million plan to improve Staffordshire's roads and highways

Staffordshire County Council is set to discuss a £138 million Combined Highways and Transport Capital Programme aimed at improving the region’s road infrastructure and transport options.

Scheduled for review this March, the programme seeks to address road maintenance, enhance safety, provide better travel choices, and ensure smooth connectivity across Staffordshire.

Approximately £72 million of the budget is allocated for road maintenance, focusing on preventative measures to curb deterioration, targeted repair work on known issues, and bridge maintenance.

Efforts will also include improving drainage systems, renewing road markings, and enhancing signage and safety barriers.

The council's strategic focus on prevention aims to minimize disruption, extend the lifespan of repairs, and optimize funding usage.

Councillor Peter Mason, Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, emphasized the importance of the programme, stating, "Our highways are Staffordshire’s most visible and valuable asset, and this programme represents a significant step forward in how we look after them."

The initiative includes £15 million additional funding over two years to address lower-level pothole backlogs.

Furthermore, collaboration with developers seeks better coordination of projects, reducing disruption and ensuring efficient improvements.

On the transport front, the Local Transport Plan envisions an integrated transport system supporting economic prosperity and enabling safer, healthier communities.

Investments totaling £5.3 million for safety and journey time reliability, £11.6 million for active travel enhancements, £10.6 million for bus infrastructure, and an estimated £40 million in developer-funded transport infrastructure form part of this vision.

Councillor Andrew Mynors, Cabinet Member for Connectivity, added, "A strong, well‑connected transport network underpins a thriving county."

This programme seeks to improve bus services, walking and cycling routes, traffic management, and transport infrastructure, fostering greener travel, robust local economies, and better community connections.

Public access to the highways structural maintenance programme is available online.

Final approval by Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet is anticipated this March.

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