A road investment budget of £24 billion has been set by the UK Government. This will be spent on improving roads in England between 2026 and 2030, forming part of the 2025 Spending Review.
The funding will be provided to the state-owned roads firm, National Highways, as well as local authorities with the aim of boosting transport to cut transport delays and increase economic development. Bridge repairs, better signage, new roadside barriers and upgraded junctions will be amongst the work carried out. Potholes will be repaired and general maintenance works will be carried out on both national and local routes. This will speed journeys and also increase safety for road users of all categories.
There will be spending on improvements to major routes, including the addition of EV charging facilities. Decarbonising the UK’s transport will be one focus for the spending. Facilities for cyclists will also benefit, with the intention of boosting active travel and reducing transport emissions in urban areas.
Included in the spending is £590 million for the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) project, which will provide a new highway and 4.2km tunnel connection under the River Thames, linking the A2 and M2 in Kent with the A13 and M25 in Essex. Private financing is intended to pay for the major portion of the project. The link is intended to cut traffic at the existing Dartford Crossing, which features two tunnels and a bridge, by 20% and preventing delays. The LTC has been described as being a national priority due to the importance of the link to cutting costly congestion.
The improved spending does mark a significant change for the UK, which has been criticised by industry bodies for under-investing in infrastructure over the past three decades. The period from 2010-2024 saw a marked reduction in road maintenance due to budget cuts, resulting in a significant deterioration of the UK road network. But it remains to be seen how much of an improvement it can deliver. Repairs to the UK’s road network have been carried out on a short-term basis and a wider view is required to deliver longer term solutions to transport problems.
