National Highways is seeking expressions of interest on its £165m Growth and Housing Accelerator (GHA) Fund for critical transport works 'to unblock the delivery of housing and employment sites'.
The fund is part of the third Road Investment Strategy and will focus on sites 'on or near to motorways and A roads where transport links are the only thing preventing a development from proceeding'.
While only local and mayoral authorities can apply directly, early engagement with developer partners to strengthen applications is 'actively encouraged'.
In a statement, National Highways said: 'The GHA Fund aims to address any viability funding gaps - targeting schemes that are ready to go. The match funding aims for a 3:1 basis: two parts public funding and one part private, to one part GHA Fund. National Highways works in partnership with local authorities and developers to maximise impact and accelerate delivery.'
Project works that could secure a share of the cash include junction improvements, public transport and active travel route facilities including signalling and signage.
National Highways chief customer and strategy officer, Elliot Shaw, said: 'This fund will help unlock the transport links needed for new homes and jobs, supporting the government's ambitions for economic growth. I encourage authorities to come forward with schemes where a targeted transport intervention can help get development moving.'
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: 'Too many housing and employment opportunities have stalled for years, held back by the infrastructure that wasn't there to support them.
'This fund will pave the way for developments that have sat idle for too long, funding the transport links that stalled sites need to get moving and generating new jobs and opportunities for communities that deserve them. It is a deliberate choice - and a signal that this government is serious about removing the barriers to growth.'
The fund is being administered by National Highways and authorities will have until Friday 19 June to express an interest.
Who can apply?
Local authorities and mayoral strategic authorities can apply but to be eligible, your project must:
- require a transport improvement on or near the strategic road network to unlock a stalled housing and/or employment site
- have planning permission with a condition requiring that transport work to be delivered
- have match funding in place
See Fund prospectus for full eligibility and selection criteria.
How to apply
Expressions of Interest are now open. Applications close on Friday 19 June 2026.
Complete the Expression of Interest form
Read the Expression of Interest guidance
Register for a webinar
National Highways webinars will walk you through the eligibility criteria and application process.
Register here:
