Government has today announced its transport funding review decision as part of the long awaited road investment strategy, including the approval of funding for the A66 upgrade between Penrith and Scotch Corner that has secured the funding to deliver the full A66 upgrade to dual carriageway between J40 at Penrith and Scotch corner including the new underpass at Kemplay Roundabout.
The announcement made by government today (26th March 2026) is part of commitment of £27 billion to upgrade and future-proof England’s roads.
Spread across 5 years, the plan puts more money into maintaining the network to help deliver smoother, more reliable journeys for drivers, businesses and freight operators by resurfacing roads, fixing potholes, and replacing worn-out stretches of motorway.
The huge investment, known as the Road Investment Strategy (RIS3), will fund major schemes that unlock growth and improve connectivity across the country, and allow National Highways (NH) to resurface over 9,000 kilometres worth of motorway and major A-road lanes – almost a quarter of the network.
These include the dualling of the A66 between Cumbria and North Yorkshire, and government support to bring private investment into the Lower Thames Crossing – a new road crossing east of London that will ease congestion and improve connections across the South East.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “For too long this country has failed to tackle and fix our crumbling infrastructure, but this huge £27 billion investment in our roads will secure the future of our road network for years to come.”
“Not only are we investing in renewing our roads, meaning smoother and faster journeys for drivers, we are getting on with investing into brand new projects and fixing potholes”.
Roads and Buses Minister, Simon Lightwood, said: “This government is firmly putting its money where its mouth is, and this new funding will be transformational for the millions of drivers and thousands of businesses that rely on our motorways and A roads every day.”
“By investing in existing infrastructure and new schemes, such as the Lower Thames Crossing and long-awaited dualling of the A66, we are giving everyone the confidence they can get from A to B faster and smoother than ever before.”
National Highways Executive Director Elliot Shaw said:
“This major investment will help boost economic growth by improving and maintaining motorways and major A roads which keep the country moving”.
“When roads are well maintained, businesses and communities feel the benefit, so this funding enables us to tackle an ageing network head-on and keep drivers safe.”
“Our focus on renewing vital infrastructure will keep people connected to their loved ones, support the delivery of new homes and jobs, and give industry the confidence to plan and invest in the UK.”
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