£470m transport funding approved for East Midlands infrastructure

More than £470 million will be invested in transport improvements across the East Midlands after the region’s combined authority approved a major funding package.

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) board signed off the investment, which will support road maintenance, bus services and new walking and cycling routes across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Leaders say it is the largest transport funding package the region has secured to date.

Major boost for road maintenance

A substantial share of the funding will be used to tackle the region’s backlog of road repairs.

At least £120.9 million per year has been allocated for highway maintenance over the next three years, to be shared between the four local highway authorities. According to EMCCA, this represents a 140% increase compared with maintenance spending in 2024/25.

Regional leaders say the additional funding will help address long-standing issues such as potholes and deteriorating road surfaces.

Funding for local transport improvements

The investment package also includes £13.5 million per year for smaller local transport schemes, including:

• Safer pedestrian crossings, particularly near schools

• New cycling and walking routes

• Junction upgrades

• Public realm and street environment improvements

Early funding for key schemes

Several larger projects have already been identified for early investment, including:

• Spondon Interchange improvements

• The A50 Junction 3a link road

• Upgrades along the A614/A6097 corridor

The funding will also support road safety programmes across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, alongside wider projects focused on active travel and regeneration.

Supporting long-term transport investment

Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said the funding will allow the region to plan and invest more consistently in its transport network.

“This approved funding gives us the certainty we need to invest properly in our roads, improve public transport, and create safer, greener routes for walking and cycling,” she said.

“It’s about making life better for people across the East Midlands in a way they can feel every day.”

The package represents the first stage of a wider transport investment programme, with further allocations expected to be reviewed by the authority next month.