St Helens Borough Council has set out proposals to invest more than £17m in highways improvements during 2026/27, representing one of its biggest annual commitments to the local network and signalling substantial delivery activity for the UK highways and civils sector.

The Highways Capital and Revenue Programme for 2026/27 covers core asset maintenance alongside upgrades to active travel links, drainage and flood mitigation, bridges and structures, street lighting, traffic signals and strategic project development.

Councillor Kate Groucutt, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Business and Inclusive Growth, said: "This level of investment, if approved, would build on the major successes delivered between 2022 and 2026, which brought in external investment and directed council capital and revenue money to improving travel for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists alike. This strong delivery record demonstrates the council's ongoing commitment to modernising and maintaining a safe, efficient and resilient transport network for residents, businesses and visitors."

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The proposals allocate £7.02m from the Liverpool City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) to fund resurfacing and preventative maintenance, traffic signal and street lighting upgrades, and active travel improvements.

In addition, the council plans to invest £1.53m of capital into two strategic priorities: essential strengthening and safety works at Taylor Park Dam, and Town Centre Traffic Management Improvements to enhance safety and accessibility in high footfall areas. A further £4.909m of council revenue would support routine and reactive maintenance, winter service, street lighting and drainage operations across the borough.

Councillor Groucutt added: "This investment is essential to meeting the council's statutory duties, improving the condition and sustainability of the network and supporting economic growth. It ensures St Helens Borough continues to adopt evidence led asset management practices, aligns with our borough strategy and supports wider objectives relating to safety, regeneration, public health and climate resilience."

The strategy is scheduled for discussion at Cabinet on Wednesday, 25 February 2026 at 4pm. Further details and a link to watch the meeting are available at: sthelens.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=193&MId=15307&Ver=4