6,000 jobs to be created as plans are unveiled for trio of road improvement schemes worth £45.5m

Highways England has unveiled plans for a trio of road improvements schemes, worth a total of £45.5m, which are set to help unlock the development of more than 6,000 jobs and nearly 10,000 homes.

The improvements will create growth opportunities in Leicestershire and the South East.

Highways England is making a £19.9m contribution towards the schemes from its Growth and Housing Fund, with private sector developer contributions and other public funding making up the rest.

This will be the first time the Hampshire area has been assisted by this Highways England designated fund.

The £100m Growth and Housing Fund was set up as part of the government’s £15bn investment in providing financial support towards the cost of road improvements.

Jim O’Sullivan, Highways England chief executive, said: “England’s strategic roads are vital for economic success, connecting businesses, people and supporting the government’s agenda of employment and growth.

“All of these improvements and future upcoming announcements will ultimately ensure England’s major roads continue to make a valuable contribution to the prosperity of our country.”

The £220m Congestion Relief Fund announced during the Autumn Statement is also providing additional funding to the M27, junction 9 scheme. This additional funding will help to tackle congestion in the local area and improve connectivity.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling commented: “The Whiteley Way junction upgrade is part of our record investment in infrastructure across the country to improve journeys for motorists.

“It will cut congestion on the M27, help unlock thousands of much-needed houses, and boost Hampshire’s economy.”

The first of the three schemes is the M27 junction 9 Whitley Way, where up to 3,500 homes and up to 250 jobs will be delivered with a £9.9m Growth and Housing Fund contribution, as well as £3m from the Highways England Congestion Relief Fund. The scheme will be completed by Hampshire County Council and the Local Enterprise Partnership under the terms of a grant funding agreement.

Secondly, improvements to Anstey Lane (A46 / A560) is set to create up to 2,378 homes and around 260 new jobs. Supported by £5m from the Growth and Housing Fund and £2.8m from private developers, the scheme will be delivered by Leicestershire County Council and the Local Enterprise Partnership is Leicester and Leicestershire.

Lastly, road improvements to the M1 junction 23 will result in up to 4,000 homes and 5,600 new jobs. Using £5m from the Growth and Housing Fund, £10m of private funding and £3.2m from a local growth fund, this scheme will be completed by Leicestershire County Council and the Local Enterprise Partnership is Leicester and Leicestershire.

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