16 Major Road Schemes Set to Progress Under Government Funding Plans

The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that a number of Major Road Network (MRN) and Large Local Majors (LLM) schemes are set to move forward, with funding earmarked from 2026.

Following a review in 2025 of 41 proposed projects, 16 schemes have been selected to proceed, subject to the usual business case approvals.

According to the DfT, these projects are expected to support new housing, boost job creation, and drive economic growth at both local and regional levels, while also delivering value for taxpayers.

One of the schemes welcomed locally is the proposed upgrade and replacement of the Northam Rail Bridge in Southampton. Southampton City Council has expressed its support, highlighting that the announcement allows the project’s Outline Business Case to move ahead.

The Northam Rail Bridge scheme involves replacing the existing ageing structure with two new bridges. This is intended to resolve ongoing maintenance issues and ease congestion at a key pinch point in the city’s transport network.

Plans for the new crossing also include wider and safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists, improved bus priority measures, and better connections to important locations such as St Mary’s Stadium, Itchen Riverside, and Old Northam Road. The project forms part of wider ambitions to support Southampton’s growth and regeneration.

Stephen Haynes, Executive Director for Growth and Prosperity at Southampton City Council, said the project continues to be recognised as a key priority. He noted that public engagement showed strong support, with 89% of respondents backing the proposals and 79% anticipating positive outcomes. He emphasised the bridge’s importance in supporting daily travel and the city’s future development.

Paul McAleer, Principal Programme Sponsor at Network Rail, also welcomed the scheme’s inclusion. He said Network Rail looks forward to continuing its partnership with the council to progress the project, describing it as an example of how collaborative investment can benefit both road and rail infrastructure while opening up further opportunities for the area.

The scheme is still subject to final funding approval, with Southampton City Council and Network Rail continuing work on the Outline Business Case ahead of a planned submission in summer 2026.

The 16 schemes selected to progress following the 2025 review include:

• Improvements to the A140/A1120 junction at Earl Stonham

• Upgrades along the A10 corridor in Broxbourne

• The Norwich Western Link road project

• Dualling works on Vauxhall Way (Phase 1)

• Shalesmoor Gateway improvements in Sheffield

• Widening and upgrades on the A650 Tong Street route

• Enhancements at the A426/A4071 Avon Mill and Hunters Lane junctions

• Further dualling of the A43 in Northampton

• Structural upgrades to the A379 Bridge Road in Exeter

• Improvements at M5 Junction 28

• Replacement of Northam Rail Bridge in Southampton

• Junction upgrades at A229 Blue Bell Hill

• Enhancements along the A259 South Coast Corridor

• Improvements to the A326 Waterside route

• The Wigan East-West link road

• Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor Phase 4

Together, these schemes represent a significant investment in improving transport infrastructure, easing congestion, and supporting future development across England.