Multi-million-pound road improvement plans revealed

Plans for road improvements that could potentially create thousands of homes and jobs have been announced.

The plans will see £19.9 million invested by Highway England’s Growth and Housing Fund. As a result, 10,000 houses and 6,000 jobs could potentially be created across the south east of England — the first time Hampshire will benefit from the fund — and in Leicestershire. Three schemes make up the proposal.

The first sees expansion on the M27, junction 9 at Whitley Way. This could create up to 3,500 homes and 250 jobs — funded by £9.9 million from the Growth and Housing Fund and £3 million for Highways England Congestion Relief fund.

Second, Anstey Lane on the A46 will be expanding. This could allow up to 2,378 and around 260 jobs to be created. £5 million comes from the Growth and Housing Fund for this, with a further £2.8 million coming from private developers.

Last but far from least (as far as costs go), expansion to junction 23 on the M1 sees £5 million from the Growth and Housing Fund, £3.2 million from local growth funding and £10 million from private funding.

Jim O’Sullivan, chief executive of Highways England, 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.”