£25 million boost to tackle UK highway bottlenecks

Ten schemes to remove bottlenecks on the local UK highway network and support economic growth have been given the green light by transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin. This £25 million in funding, the first allocation from the US$258 million Local Pinch Point Fund programme, will enable early delivery of these schemes and will help support employment while unlocking development sites to help local businesses and communities.
UTC / March 26, 2013
Ten schemes to remove bottlenecks on the local UK highway network and support economic growth have been given the green light by transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin.

This £25 million in funding, the first allocation from the US$258 million Local Pinch Point Fund programme, will enable early delivery of these schemes and will help support employment while unlocking development sites to help local businesses and communities.

Patrick McLoughlin said: “Tackling bottlenecks on the highway network will help keep get the country moving and the economy growing. I want to see this work underway and shovels in the ground as soon as possible, so I am announcing US$38 million to fast track the first ten schemes”.

As part of the 2012 Autumn Statement the government announced the creation of a Local Pinch Point Fund worth US$258 million to remove bottlenecks on the local highway network which are impeding growth. The fund reflects the government’s commitment to supporting economic growth by tackling barriers on the local highway network that may be restricting the movement of goods and people. The fund is aimed at those schemes that can be delivered quickly with immediate impact. The department’s funding contribution (in the form of capital) is only available in 2013 to 2014 and 2014 to 2015.

Of the ten schemes awarded just awarded funding, four are expected to commence in the next few weeks, with the others starting over the coming year.