Government Unveils £27bn Roads Investment Strategy to Renew and Expand England’s Network

The Government has announced long-awaited details of the third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3), setting out a £27 billion programme aimed at improving and maintaining England’s strategic road network over the next five years.

According to the Department for Transport, the funding package will prioritise both large-scale infrastructure projects and essential maintenance, with a strong emphasis on improving reliability for road users and supporting economic growth.

Click to read the full strategy

Focus on maintenance and resilience

A key feature of RIS3 is a significant shift toward maintaining existing infrastructure. Around £8.4 billion has been allocated to repair and renew motorways and major A-roads, with the aim of addressing issues before they escalate.

National Highways is expected to resurface more than 9,000 kilometres of road—equivalent to nearly a quarter of the strategic network—targeting worn-out sections and helping to reduce disruption caused by defects such as potholes.

This investment sits alongside £7.3 billion already committed to local authorities for road maintenance, signalling a broader effort to improve road conditions across both national and local networks.

Major schemes to boost connectivity

Alongside maintenance, the strategy includes funding for major infrastructure projects designed to improve connectivity and unlock regional growth.

Key schemes include the long-anticipated dualling of the A66 between Cumbria and North Yorkshire, as well as continued support for the Lower Thames Crossing, where private investment is expected to play a role in delivery.

In addition, 16 further road schemes—ranging from bypasses to junction upgrades—have been approved. These projects are intended to support housing development, improve traffic flow and stimulate local economies, particularly in areas that have historically lacked investment.

Government and industry response

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the programme as a decisive step toward addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges, highlighting the need to modernise and maintain the network.

Roads Minister Simon Lightwood said the investment would improve journey reliability while supporting both businesses and communities that depend on the strategic road network.

National Highways also welcomed the announcement, with Executive Director Elliot Shaw emphasising the role of well-maintained roads in supporting economic activity, enabling development and maintaining connectivity across the country.

A balancing act for the next road period

RIS3 represents a balancing act between maintaining an ageing network and delivering new capacity where it is most needed. The increased focus on preventative maintenance reflects growing recognition that long-term performance depends not just on new infrastructure, but on the condition of existing assets.

The challenge now will be delivery—ensuring that the scale of investment translates into tangible improvements for road users while maintaining confidence across the supply chain.