The government-owned company which was set up earlier this year, detailed its plans for the Yorkshire and the Humber region to suppliers, including major improvements on the A1, M62, M1, A63, A180 and A628.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “Roads are key to our nation’s prosperity. That’s why, as part of our long-term economy plan, we are making the biggest investment in roads in a generation.
“The £1.3 billion investment in Yorkshire and the Humber over the next five years will significantly improve journeys and help create jobs. Through schemes like these we are building the Northern Powerhouse and creating opportunities for hardworking people across the nation.”
Jeremy Bloom, Highways England’s director of major projects in the north, added: “Drivers in Yorkshire and the Humber will see significant investment in major A roads and motorways across the region. These schemes will bring significant benefits to the users of the road network.”
The government is investing in more than 100 new road schemes across the country by 2020, adding over 1,300 miles of new lanes to motorways and trunk roads, tackling congestion and fixing some of the most notorious and longstanding problem areas on the network.
Schemes already under construction in Yorkshire and Humber include:
- A1 Leeming to Barton – the £368 million scheme will unlock growth and boost the economy by creating a continuous motorway-standard route between London and Newcastle (including the M1 and A1M). It will also improve journey times and increase safety
- M1 junctions 39 to 42 – £120 million is being spent making this stretch of the M1 a smart motorway to ease congestion and support economic development
- A160/A180 – £88.4 million project to improve access to one of the UK’s busiest ports and the surrounding area, stimulating growth and unlocking economic benefits
- M1 junctions 32 to 35A – over £100 million is being invested to upgrade this section of the M1 to a smart motorway.
Schemes due to start in the region by 2019/20 include:
- A63 Castle Street – improvements to this key route in Hull
- M1 Junction 45 – junction improvements to improve access to the Aire Valley development
- M62/M606 Chain Bar – scheme to tackle the severe delays between Leeds and Bradford
- M621 junctions 1 to 7 – improvements to junctions to reduce congestion
- M62 junctions 20 to 25 – upgrade to a smart motorway, adding an extra lane and using variable speed limits to keep traffic moving.
