The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is preparing to rule on a proposed additional £121m investment for road maintenance and repairs in the coming financial year.
Set to be presented at the next meeting of the authority's transport committee this week for approval, this funding – which will be on top of the already announced £184m transport investment programme – is intended to ‘make roads safer, reduce congestion and tackle years of wear and tear' in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, which has been left unattended due to ‘previous underinvestment in the region'.
This proposed investment would be put towards works including repairing worn surfaces and potholes and preventative maintenance, with some projects combining road repairs with improvements to pavements, drainage, and public spaces.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: ‘By acting now, we can tackle years of wear and tear, support local communities, and make journeys smoother for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.'
Councillor Carmel Swan, cabinet member for climate change, transport and sustainability at Derby City Council, added: ‘This proposed additional investment is excellent news for our region and our city. We've already benefitted from EMCCA funding for transport projects around the city and look forward to further investment so we can continue to deliver a Derby to be proud of.'
This proposed investment in road maintenance is accompanied by a suggested £13.5m for local neighbourhood projects focussed on improving road safety, access and local travel.
However, an alternative proposal to the mayor's £121m plan is also expected to be considered by the committee members, which would see a total of £79.4m for road maintenance in 2026/27.
Either plan is subject to approval by the Transport Committee and a final agreement, which is currently expected in March.
