£275m to improve local roads

Twenty eight councils in England win funding for local infrastructure projects.

Councils across England will receive a share of £275m for major local roads maintenance, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin announced yesterday.

The Challenge Fund will be used for one-off major infrastructure schemes by local authorities to improve life for local residents and businesses.

Patrick McLoughlin said, ‘Good quality local roads are essential for people to get on with their daily business and today’s announcement will provide extra capacity where it is needed most. This government has put record funding in place for local roads as part of our long-term economic plan to improve journeys, create jobs and drive economic growth.’

The 31 schemes being awarded funding today across the 28 local authorities include safety repairs, bridge renewal, carriageway and drainage improvements, as well as upgrading street lighting in a number of areas to bring them in line with modern standards.

The money announced today is part of the £6bn funding for local road maintenance announced in December 2014. The funding was awarded following a bidding process from local authorities and the winners put forward the strongest case.