Road upgrade included in £27bn investment plan

Exeter is set to benefit from a share of a £27 billion national roads investment, with upgrades planned for a key route across the River Exe.

The government’s new Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) will see major funding poured into England’s motorways and A-roads over the next five years, including improvements to the A379 Bridge Road – part of Exeter’s outer ring road.

The scheme will focus on major structural renewals to the busy route, which carries traffic over the River Exe and is a vital link for commuters, businesses and freight moving around the city.

Nationally, the £27 billion package will fund resurfacing works, repairs and major upgrades across the strategic road network, alongside new schemes designed to boost economic growth and reduce congestion.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the investment would help “fix crumbling infrastructure” and deliver smoother, safer journeys for drivers.

As part of the wider programme, more than 9,000 kilometres of roads will be resurfaced, while billions will also go towards preventative maintenance to avoid future deterioration.

For Exeter, improvements to the A379 are expected to help maintain a reliable cross-city route and support ongoing development, particularly as the city continues to grow on both sides of the river.

The funding comes alongside separate national investment in local roads, including money for councils to tackle potholes and improve long-term maintenance.

Ministers say the combined investment will support jobs, housing and economic growth, while giving drivers greater confidence in the reliability of the road network.