Over 470 million GBP is set to be invested into transport schemes across the East Midlands in an effort to improve bus services, expedite road repairs and provide safer cycle routes.
The investment, which is the largest funding settlement ever secured for the region, is expected to transform travel, improve connectivity and enhance the quality of life for residents across the East Midlands.
During the meeting in which the settlement was approved, East Midlands Combined County Authority Board members formally recognised the a ‘backlog of maintenance issues across [its] highways’, approving a minimum of 120.9 million GBP to be used for road maintenance and repairs across the region for each of the next three years – a 140% uplift on maintenance investment in 2024/25.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said:This approved funding gives us the certainty we need to invest properly in our roads, improve public transport, and create safer, greener routes for walking and cycling.
It’s about making life better for people across the East Midlands in a way they can feel, every day. Safer streets, quicker journeys, and new opportunities for walking, cycling, and public transport will benefit families, commuters, and local communities.
Approved funding will be shared between all four local highways authorities across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and enable regular repairs and upgrades.
An additional 13.5 million GBP will be made available per year to support smaller-scale, community-focused transport schemes, including safer streets and crossings for both pedestrians and children walking to school; expanded cycling and walking routes to encourage active travel; local road and junction improvements to reduce congestion; and regeneration projects to enhance public spaces and neighbourhoods.
Immediate investment has also been approved for a number of high-priority projects, such as the improvement of access and easing of congestion at the Spondon Interchange, Derby; support for growth and development of the A50 Junction 3a link road, South Derbyshire; a reduction in journey times and increase in safety measures on the A614/A6097 corridor, Nottinghamshire; road safety programmes across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire; and a number of active travel and regeneration projects promoting greener and healthier travel.
All schemes are expected to deliver shorter commutes, safer roads, reduced congestion and improved access to key destinations whilst also encouraging sustainable travel choices for local residents.
The latest package represents the first phase of a wider investment programme, with additional funding allocations set to be considered next month and further details on future allocations to be announced later this year.
