DfT allocates £161m to keep traffic flowing

06/06/2022 | CHRIS AMES

Ministers have committed £160.8m to four major road and bridge schemes on the local road network in England.

Three of the schemes are under the Major Road Network (MRN), with the other classified as a Large Local Major. Both funding streams fall under the National Roads Fund (MRF), which was previously said to be funded by hypothecated Vehicle Excise Duty but is now facing severe cuts.

The schemes include two bridge maintenance projects, with £35.3m for essential maintenance to the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle and the adjacent Central Motorway and £13.4m for essential maintenance to the A35 Redbridge Causeway, which connects Southampton to the New Forest.

Newcastle City Council leader Nick Kemp (pictured) said: ‘Our much-loved bridge, which is a symbol of home for Geordies all over the world, will soon be shining proudly in the Newcastle skyline once again.

‘This funding is not simply for repainting but is a complete refurbishment of the bridge that will involve exploring innovative and environmental approaches in this work.’

There is also £78.5m for a new 3.85-mile road linking St Austell to the A30 and £33.6m to enhance walking and cycling accessibility and tackle congestion across the A34 between Greater Manchester and Stockport.

Roads minister Baroness Vere said: ‘This £160.8m investment will level up those opportunities from the North East to the South West while giving motorists, cyclists and pedestrians the modern, safe and uncongested roads they deserve.’

The Department for Transport (DfT) claimed that the four schemes would generate an estimated £659.3m in economic benefits, which appears to include avoiding the costs that would be incurred by not carrying out essential maintenance on the two bridges.

Officials cited benefits of £130.5m for the Tyne Bridge scheme by avoiding the rerouting of HGVs through residential areas and almost £340m for the Southampton scheme ‘through better connectivity, improved employment and housing opportunities and the expansion of the Port of Southampton’.

The announcement comprised a series of new announcements and re-announcements as local authority bids.

The St Austell link road is the only Large Local Major in the package. Government funding for the scheme, first announced in 2017, predates the NRF, while MRN cash for the A35 Redbridge Causeway was announced last year.

In February 2020, the DfT awarded Stockport MBC a grant to develop a business case for MRN funding for its A34 Corridor Improvement Plan.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Carbon and Net Zero Manager

£47,754 - £50,788
To lead and manage the carbon strategy for the Agent by developing a programme South Wales
Recruiter: South Wales Trunk Road Agent

Highway Asset Maintenance Assistant Engineer (CDC)

Grade 8, £32,662 - £36,239 (Pay award pending)
The City of Doncaster Council is a confident, ambitious organisation Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Engineer, Highways Asset Maintenance CDC

Grade 9, £38,653 - £42,728 (Pay award pending)
The City of Doncaster Council is a confident, ambitious organisation which puts improving the life of its residents at the centre of everything we do. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Street Cleansing Team Leader

£31,067.00 - £33,366.00, Grade 7, 37 hours, Permanent
An opportunity exists in the Council’s Street Scene Services for a Street Cleansing Team Leader Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Street Cleansing Driver / Operative (Pavement Sweeper)

£25,584.00 - £27,269.00, Grade 5, 37 hours, Permanent
The post holder will be part of a Street Scene Team to deliver a high quality citizen focused Street Scene service Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Traffic Engineering Officer

£36,124 to £37,938 per annum
An exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and passionate Traffic Engineering Officer Rutland
Recruiter: Rutland County Council

Highways Engineer

£36,124 to £37,938 per annum
An exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and passionate Highways Engineer Rutland
Recruiter: Rutland County Council

Civil Enforcement Officers

£25,183- £26,409 plus weekend allowance
We’re looking for Civil Enforcement officers to join our parking services team. North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Asset Development Manager

£44,111 per annum (pay award pending)
Do you want to work for an organisation that values you as an individual? West Yorkshire
Recruiter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Career Grade Transport Planner (Carer Grade 6-8)

Grade 06 (£29,093 - £32,654) TO Grade 08 (£37,938 - £41,511)
This is a fantastic opportunity to work for a forward thinking and dynamic transport authority located in the heart of the North West Warrington, Cheshire
Recruiter: Warrington Borough Council

Principal Transport Planner

GRADE 10 (£47,754 - £50,787)
This is a fantastic opportunity to work for a forward thinking and dynamic transport authority located in the heart of the North West. Warrington, Cheshire
Recruiter: Warrington Borough Council

Senior Technician - Highways Inspections

Grade 10 £34,324 - £37,529 per annum
This is an exciting time to join one of the country’s leading public sector in-house Highways Services Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Senior Technician - Asset Management

Grade 10 £34,324 - £37,529 per annum
The position provides an exciting opportunity to develop how all highway assets are managed in the future Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Road and Street Works Co-ordinator Engineer

Grade 11 £39,513 to £43,693 per annum
This is an exciting opportunity to join our Highway Network Management Section as a Road & Street Works Co-ordinator Engineer.   The efficient co-ordi Durham
Recruiter: Durham County Council

Group Manager for Highway Contracts and Service Development

£59,537 progressing to £66,642
This role’s purpose is to manage the suite of highway contracts and continue to develop and improve the Highways Service in all senses Hertfordshire
Recruiter: Hertfordshire County Council

Senior Development Management Engineer

£37,938 - £44,711
This is an excellent opportunity to join a team of Highway Development Officers delivering high-quality development across Coventry. coventry
Recruiter: Coventry City Council

Assistant Street Cleansing Operative

£24,790 - £25,183, Grade 4, 37 hours, Permanent
An opportunity exists in the Council’s Street Scene Services for an Assistant Street Cleansing Operative Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Traffic Signals and Signing Engineer

£30,559 - £41,511 per annum
We are looking for a Traffic Signals and Signing Engineer to join the Traffic Engineering team in the Network Strategy Group North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Highways Engagement Officer - WMF1977e

£33,366 - £34,314
The role will provide specialist support within the Highways service Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

UGO Bus Driver

Up to £25081.0000 per annum
UGO Bus DriverPermanent, Part TimeUp to £25,081 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recruiter: Essex County Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW