Multi-million pound major road improvements unlock homes and jobs
Multi-million pound road improvement schemes announced today by Highways England are set to help unlock the development of more than 6,000 jobs and nearly 10,000 homes.
The improvements, worth a total of £45.5 million, will create growth opportunities in Leicestershire and the South East.
Highways England is making a £19.9 million contribution towards the schemes from its Growth and Housing Fund, with private sector developer contributions and other public funding making up the rest. This will be the first time the Hampshire area has been assisted by this Highways England designated fund.
The £100 million Growth and Housing Fund was set up as part of the government’s £15 billion investment in roads and provides financial contributions towards the cost of road improvements that are needed for new developments, which promise timely delivery of homes and jobs.
Highways England chief executive Jim O’Sullivan said:
England’s strategic roads are vital for economic success, connecting businesses, people and supporting the government’s agenda of employment and growth. All of these improvements and future upcoming announcements will ultimately ensure England’s major roads continue to make a valuable contribution to the prosperity of our country.
The £220m Congestion Relief Fund announced during the Autumn Statement has also played its part in underpinning economic growth, by providing additional funding to the M27, junction 9 scheme. This additional funding will help to tackle congestion in the local area and improve connectivity.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said:
The Whiteley Way junction upgrade is part of our record investment in infrastructure across the country to improve journeys for motorists.
It will cut congestion on the M27, help unlock thousands of much-needed houses, and boost Hampshire’s economy.
The three schemes announced today are:
- M27 junction 9 Whitley Way, up to 3,500 homes and up to 250 jobs - £9.9 million Growth and Housing Fund / £3 million Highways England Congestion Relief Fund. This scheme is being delivered by Hampshire County Council and the Local Enterprise Partnership under the terms of a grant funding agreement. It is the first scheme to be supported by this fund in the South East.
- Anstey Lane (A46 / A560) up to 2,378 homes and around 260 jobs - £5million Growth and Housing Fund / £2.8million private developers. This scheme will be delivered by Leicestershire County Council and the Local Enterprise Partnership is Leicester and Leicestershire.
- M1 junction 23, up to 4,000 homes and 5,600 jobs - £5 million Growth and Housing Fund / £10 million private funding / £3.2 million local growth fund. This scheme will be delivered by Leicestershire County Council and the Local Enterprise Partnership is Leicester and Leicestershire.
Highways England’s Growth and Housing Fund has so far made contributions of over £60 million to 16 improvements to unlock over 30,000 new homes and more than 40,000 jobs around Swindon, Exeter, Weston Super Mare, Darlington, Scunthorpe, Grantham, Warrington, Honiton, Derby, Foxdenton (Oldham), Taunton, Durham, Daventry, Leicester and Southampton.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.