Plans have been unveiled to invest £6.1 billion to improve England's roads network.

Announcing the funding, Transport Minister Jesse Norman said the multi-billion investment is part of the Government's overall £23bn roads upgrade programme.

"Road users across England should soon be seeing the benefits of these improvements in their daily lives, which are designed to link people better with their jobs, friends, family and local amenities, as well as connecting businesses with customers," he said.

"Over the next 6 months we expect to roll out our vital upgrade plan — taking next steps on £6.1 billion-worth of schemes and seeking to hear from local people, organisations and businesses to help shape our plans and ensure they benefit local communities.

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"And shortly I also plan to announce the winners of the 2017 to 2018 highways maintenance challenge fund, where the government will be investing £75 million to improve smaller local roads including through resurfacing, filling potholes and other infrastructure projects."

The Government will now start to work towards 55 road improvements across the country, including opening eight schemes, consulting on 10 schemes and publishing final plans for another 29 schemes.

Upgrades include adding capacity to sections of the A1 in Northumberland, as well as proposals to increase capacity at the A12 Colchester Bypass to reduce delays. Other highlights include a new strategic corridor to the south-west via the A303, as well as a more efficient Junction 19 on the M6 and an upgrade to the link between the Port of Liverpool and the motorway network.

Jim O'Sullivan, Highways England Chief Executive, said: "Highways England is committed to delivering the government's investment programme to improve the strategic road network. These milestones are critical elements of our current work and we are extremely pleased that we are on track to deliver them."

(LM)