The Highways Agency has announced plans to deliver 10 road improvements, including on the M1 and M62, at a cost of £32.4m.

The regional schemes, which are intended to boost the economy, reduce congestion and improve safety in Yorkshire, Humber and the North East, were announced by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin.

The announcement was part of a £217m national programme which has been devised to "remove bottlenecks and keep traffic moving on England’s motorways and major A roads," according to the Highways Agency.


The changes are planned to be delivered by 2013 and 2014 and the government predicts they will all be completed by March 2015.

The total number of schemes to receive investment from the government's pinch point fund is now 65. A third stage of projects is expected to be announced next year.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "These £217m road improvements prove the government’s determination to accelerate growth and cut congestion.

"Keeping traffic moving is vital to securing prosperity. By removing bottlenecks and improving access to local enterprise zones, key international trading ports and communities, these road schemes will help get people to and from work and power the economy. They also have the potential to help deliver more than 300,000 new jobs and 150,000 new homes."

The "improvements" form part of George Osborne’s Budget statement in November of last year, and are being considered under a "growth initiative" outlined by the government.

Funds have been allocated to the Highways Agency to undertake the development.

(IT)