Road investment “will support nearly 10,000 jobs”

Over 9,500 construction jobs will be supported in 2014 by more than £1.9 billion of investment in Britain’s roads, said Transport Minister Robert Goodwill announced.

The total investment in 209 schemes is £4.3 billion, £1.9 billion of which will be spent in 2014 alone – more than twice the amount spent in 2013.

These road programmes – which will either start or be completed in 2014 – are estimated to boost the economy by over £18.8 billion and are part of a £100 billion package of investment in Britain’s infrastructure over the next seven years; the largest programme of investment since the 1970s.

The roads programme is just one part the government’s drive to prioritise investment in projects that provide an economic boost, and will help create a high-performance road network that can cope with the expected 43 per cent increase in traffic by 2040.

Roads Minister Robert Goodwill said:

“Roads are the lifeblood that keeps our economy going – they create jobs and help get products to markets. This government is committed to delivering the modern infrastructure we need to compete in the global race, investing across the board to cut congestion and reduce journey times in roads, rail and local transport.

“We are already seeing massive improvements being made to our major roads and motorways. In 2014 the public will see even greater improvements right across the country.”

Over half of the 209 schemes are due for completion next year. This will be followed in 2015 by an even larger programme of improvement and investment on our major roads, with spending rising to £3bn a year by 2020.