The government has today confirmed funding for over 50 road and rail infrastructure upgrades. These projects, which include long-awaited schemes such as the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine route and the Portishead to Bristol city centre rail line, are anticipated to provide a substantial boost to the construction sector and support wider economic growth.

The announcement follows the government’s recent Spending Review, which unlocked over £92 billion in investment for these vital schemes. Five major road projects in the North and Midlands are confirmed, including the M54 to M6 link road in Staffordshire, designed to cut journey times and connect to key economic hubs. Also included are the M60/M62/M66 Simister Island upgrade in Greater Manchester, the A38 Derby Junctions, and the A46 Newark Bypass in Nottinghamshire. The A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project, a significant dual carriageway upgrade, is expected to support over 10,000 new homes and connect millions across the North as a crucial national and international economic artery.

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In addition to road improvements, key rail projects across the country have received the green light. Notably, this includes the reinstatement of a passenger rail line between Bristol city centre and Portishead, which ceased operations over 60 years ago. This scheme will deliver three new train stations, providing thousands more people with rail access. Further significant investment is earmarked for the Midlands Rail Hub, creating new rail links for over 50 locations and projected to create almost 13,000 construction jobs.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasised the importance of this investment: “Roads and railways are the backbone of our economy, which is why we are giving them the record funding boost they need, putting taxpayer’s money where it matters most and making every day journeys easier.” She added that the £92 billion investment, including a major boost for city regions in the North and Midlands, aims to "fast-track economic growth and jobs, connect communities, and will help us build 1.5 million new homes.”

Overall, the major road schemes alone are estimated to support over 42,000 new jobs and 39,000 new homes. This comprehensive infrastructure programme also includes £1 billion to enhance the local road network and establish a new structures fund, alongside continued support for 28 local road schemes such as the Middlewich Eastern Bypass. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves highlighted that these “long overdue” investments would “transform local communities and improve living standards across the country.”

The East Coast Main Line will also benefit from capacity upgrades and new digital signalling, supporting new digital skills in the rail sector and creating 4,800 new roles across the supply chain, further underscoring the broad impact on the construction and related industries.