New £1bn Fund Launched to Repair England’s Ageing Road Structures

The government has announced a new funding initiative to help councils tackle deteriorating road infrastructure across England, with a focus on repairing critical structures such as bridges, flyovers and tunnels.

The Structures Fund, launched on 15 April 2026, forms part of a wider £1 billion investment package aimed at improving the country’s road network. Local authorities are now able to apply for financial support to address major repairs they would otherwise struggle to fund.

Addressing Long-Standing Infrastructure Issues

Many local structures have suffered from years of underinvestment, leading to issues such as weight restrictions on bridges and unexpected closures of key routes. These problems often result in longer journeys, delays to deliveries and reduced access to essential services.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the new fund is intended to move away from temporary fixes and ensure long-term solutions are delivered.

She highlighted that failing infrastructure can act as a barrier to economic growth, affecting both businesses and communities.

Support for Local Authorities

To help councils prepare strong applications, the Department for Transport has appointed engineering consultancy WSP to provide free guidance and technical support. This includes assistance with cost planning and project delivery strategies.

Authorities are encouraged to submit draft proposals by 19 June for feedback, ahead of the final application deadline on 3 August 2026. Funding decisions are expected in autumn, with all approved projects required to be completed by March 2030.

Part of Wider Investment Strategy

The Structures Fund sits within a broader £24 billion allocation for road and rail maintenance announced in the 2025 Spending Review. It complements existing commitments, including £7.3 billion already earmarked for pothole repairs and road improvements between 2026 and 2030.

Increased Accountability for Road Maintenance

Alongside the new funding, the government has introduced stricter rules on how councils manage pothole repair budgets. Authorities that fail to demonstrate improvements risk losing up to a third of their £1.6 billion allocation.

However, underperforming councils will receive targeted support to help raise standards and deliver safer, more reliable roads.

Boosting Resilience and Growth

Industry leaders have welcomed the initiative, noting that many highway structures are operating beyond their original design life and are increasingly affected by extreme weather.

The new funding aims to strengthen the resilience of England’s transport infrastructure while supporting economic growth and improving everyday journeys for road users.