ReturnLoads.net can report that the Government is calling on the construction industry to get ready for the biggest investment in the UK’s roads since the 1970s.
Roads Minister Robert Goodwill says a £24 billion programme of spending over the next eight years will create 30,000 new jobs across the sector and ensure the UK has a more sustainable road network.
“Funding certainty is critical to the construction industry in planning for the future. We need to make sure everyone is ready to deliver the massive programme of investment that we need to keep Britain’s roads moving.
“We need to make sure we have the right people and equipment in place to deliver the 53 road schemes in preparation now, plus the generation of improvements over the next seven years.
“If we get this right this will provide road users with a high performing network that can cope with the expected 43% increase in traffic over the coming decades that will help boost economic growth and deliver more efficient roads for motorists.”
£10.7 billion is the total being spent on the strategic road network improvements up to 2021. Plans to resurface 80% of the strategic network will cost a further £6.1, while local authorities are set to receive £6 billion to tackle potholes on their roads.
Funding for the roads has been locked in by the Government so that it cannot be diverted if there is a change in power at the next general election.
Nevertheless, several stakeholder bodies, including the Institution of Civil Engineers, believe an independent commission is required to take charge of road development and upkeep.
ReturnLoads.net will report more on this story once more information becomes available.