In total the pipeline includes nearly 700 planned projects, programmes and other initiatives worth a combined £400Bn, which is forecasted to rise to £600Bn worth of investment delivered by 2027/28.

This includes the recently announced £28Bn national roads fund as well as other major projects such as East West Rail and High Speed 2. In total there are currently 256 on going or planned transport schemes in the pipeline.

“We are committed to renewing our infrastructure to drive economic growth in all parts of the United Kingdom,” commented Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Robert Jenrick. “Over the course of this Parliament, investment in economic infrastructure will reach the highest sustained levels in over 40 years.”

He added that around half of the planned investment is from the private sector, but following the Chancellor’s Budget announcement this will not come under the Private Finance Initiative.

Transport is the single largest sector for investment in the near future with £54.9Bn due to be delivered between 2018/19 and 2020/21 – £3Bn more than the energy sector. Beyond 2021 £68Bn of spending on transport is currently in the pipeline.

Average annual transport investment per capita is highest in the South West and the North East, followed by London, between 2018/19 and 2020/21.

Civil Engineering Contractors Association director of external affairs Marie-Claude Hemming welcomed the pipeline which she said would help to drive economic growth across the UK. “We especially welcome record investment for our road network, improving journeys for all and helping to make the UK an attractive place to live and work,” she said.

“We look forward to working with Government and the wider industry to ensure this pipeline is delivered effectively, drawing where we can upon the new technologies available.”

WSP director Adrian Hames also welcomed the pipeline. “As we gear up towards Brexit, we need to find new ways to attract private investment so we get construction under way and start delivering on this transformational infrastructure if we’re to truly maintain our edge as a global leader,” he said.

The consultant also calls for action to improve productivity in the sector and for infrastructure to be ‘future ready’ to withstand challenges such as climate change and the rise of autonomous vehicles.

• Minsters are consulting on ways to encourage greater use of offsite manufacturing using digital technology to ensure maximum efficiency in delivering future projects.

The call for evidence – launched to coincide with the pipeline’s publication – closes in mid February.