Government funding of over £170M has been awarded to take forward three major local road schemes around the country. The projects are all expected to support growth and improve journeys in their respective regions, and have received funding from the Department for Transport’s (DfT’s) large local majors fund.

Government has allocated £83M towards a £93.1M scheme to upgrade the A361 North Devon Link Road between South Molton and Bideford. The Devon County Council initiative includes widening three sections of the two lane single carriageway route to a 2+1 arrangement, providing new overtaking opportunities. The scheme will also see improvements to a number of junctions.

 

“The improvements to this main route will give a huge boost to our economy, the benefits will be felt by our local residents, businesses and visitors,” commented the Council’s cabinet member for infrastructure Andrea Davis.

 

DfT has also committed £49.5M to Leicestershire County Council’s Melton Mowbray Bypass which aims to help cut congestion in the town centre and unlock land for housing development.

 

In total the 7km bypass around the east of the town will cost £63.5M. The plans include bridges over a railway line and the River Eye as well as six roundabouts and cycling and walking facilities.

 

“Heavy congestion has become a real issue for Melton Mowbray,” said Transport Secretary Chris Grayling. He said the bypass would ease traffic, improve journeys and support delivery of 4500 homes by 2036.

 

Drivers in Beverley, Yorkshire, are also set to spend less time stuck in traffic following upgrades to the A164, for which the Government has allocated £40M.

 

East Riding of Yorkshire Council will deliver a 9.5km dual carriageway upgrade to the route as well as significant improvements to Jock’s Lodge junction, where it meets the A1079.

 

“The A164 and the A1079 are two of the busiest routes in the East Riding,” said the Council’s leader Stephen Parnaby. “Jock’s Lodge junction, where the two roads meet, has historically always formed a pinch point.” The £51M scheme is due to complete by 2022.

 

Also in Yorkshire, Highways England’s £400M A1 Leeming to Barton upgrade was officially opened on Thursday following a four year construction programme.