{"id":50925,"date":"2014-12-01T00:03:00","date_gmt":"2014-12-01T00:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?guid=e281d994f9eb86a52b200a459680a312"},"modified":"2014-12-01T00:03:00","modified_gmt":"2014-12-01T00:03:00","slug":"press-release-major-roads-investment-in-the-midlands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?p=50925","title":{"rendered":"Press release: Major roads investment in the Midlands"},"content":{"rendered":"
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An ambitious \u00a315 billion plan to triple levels of spending by the end of the decade to increase the capacity and condition of England\u2019s roads, was announced to Parliament<\/a> today (1 December 2014) by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin and Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander.<\/p>\n

The Midlands will benefit from 17 new schemes worth around \u00a31.4 billion, creating an estimated 900 construction jobs.<\/p>\n

Patrick McLoughlin said:<\/p>\n

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Today I am setting out the biggest, boldest and most far-reaching roads programme for decades. It will dramatically improve the network and unlock Britain\u2019s economic potential.<\/p>\n

Roads are key to our nation\u2019s prosperity. For too long they have suffered from under-investment.<\/p>\n

This government has a long term plan to secure the country\u2019s future and this \u00a315 billion roads programme is demonstration of that. It will directly benefit hardworking families across the Midlands.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This is the biggest investment in roads in a generation and will update major corridors in the Midlands including the M6 and M1, connecting key cities to Manchester, London Sheffield and Leeds.<\/p>\n

Chair of the Cabinet Infrastructure Committee and Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, said:<\/p>\n

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World class infrastructure is vital if we are to build a stronger economy, but it matters in other ways too. It invigorates communities and gives people more opportunities to get on in life. This is why I have ensured that this government has prioritised funding roads, and railways, at a high level for future generations.<\/p>\n

For decades our roads have suffered from under investment, so I\u2019m particularly delighted to be able to announce this expansive range of new road schemes today. Investment on this scale is only possible because we have taken the difficult decisions needed to control our public finances and stuck to our recovery plan which is now delivering strong growth and record numbers of jobs.<\/p>\n

These projects, like the improvement scheme on the M1 motorway, will help unleash the economic potential of both the regions they serve and of the overall economy.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, said:<\/p>\n

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I promised when I was in the Midlands that we would address this area\u2019s economic needs for the future.<\/p>\n

Our Long term-economic plan<\/a> means today we can invest \u00a31.4 billion into the region\u2019s infrastructure to improve, repair and expand our roads.<\/p>\n

Our plans will transform some of the country\u2019s most important strategic routes. Ambitious projects, such as the expansion of the M6, M1 and M42, as well as spending on important local infrastructure will boost productivity and help the local economy of the Midlands.<\/p>\n

For years our roads have been neglected. Now that this government is fixing the economy, we can afford to invest properly in our roads \u2013 unlocking jobs and local growth by creating a road network that is fit for the 21st century.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

A radical overhaul began in 2010 with the following improvements in the area:<\/p>\n