National Highways has allocated £103M for renewal and improvements projects to be rolled out across the roads, bridges and paths of South West England during the 2023/2024 financial year.
The road operator’s investment is focused on improved motorways and A roads across the region over a network of approximately 1,280km of carriageway. Counties covered by the work include Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.
The work covers 75 schemes across the region, some already underway and covering road resurfacing, bridge refurbishments, motorway safety barrier upgrades and bridge joint replacements.
Key projects include upgrades 14.5km of the A30 to dual carriageway between Chiverton and Carland Cross in Cornwall and dualling 4.8km of the A303 between Sparkford and Ilchester in Somerset.
National Highways will also start work later this year on the Missing Link scheme in Gloucestershire. This scheme will replace a 5.6km section of carriageway, improving the link between two dual carriageway sections of the A417 at Brockworth and Cowley, and between the M4 and M5.
The road operator’s programme for the 2023/2024 financial year includes plans to refurbish the decks of the M5 junction 15 and 16 bridges at the Almondsbury Interchange. These bridges in South Gloucestershire are over 50 years old and require waterproofing, surfacing, expansion joints and repairs to the concrete to maintain the bridge decks. It is understood National Highways has organised the work to overlap with dynamic hard shoulder enhancements on the M4 and M5.
It will also complete repairs to the M5 Bamfurlong Lane bridge near Cheltenham. Hydrodemolition has commenced on parts of the 50-year-old bridge earlier this year to prepare for the works. The technique uses high-powered water and was to be deployed to demolish sections of the bridge, destroying the old concrete without causing damage to other sections. It is understood the project will be completed by the end of calendar year 2023.
Additional schemes accounted for in the £103M package include the refurbishment of structures at junctions 24 and 25 of the M5 and repairing retaining walls on the A36 at Dundas, near Bath. National Highways will also undertake a project to stabilise a landslip alongside the A35 at Chideock near Bridport in Dorset.
In addition to the maintenance and renewals investment, around £5.5M of funding will be spent on environmental and biodiversity projects and facilities for cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians.
To date, National Highway’s biodiversity projects for the South West have improved the roadside verges of the A35 in Dorset, the M4 in Wiltshire and the A46 in Bath & North East Somerset. Fish passes have been installed alongside the A38 in Devon, and new cycling and walking routes installed in Somerset and Gloucestershire.
National Highways south west regional director Jason Hones said: “It’s vital that National Highways’ motorways and A-roads are kept in good condition to make sure they remain safe, reliable and keep the South West moving.
“This investment will help us achieve the ambitious plans we have for our roads, the communities we serve and the environment.”
Minister for roads Richard Holden said: “Over the next year, the South West will see over £100M for maintaining, repairing and improving its roads. This substantial investment will ensure communities from Cornwall to Wiltshire are better connected, as we grow the economy, and drivers enjoy safe and reliable journeys.”
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