Overview

• The government confirmed dualling of the A66 between Penrith and Scotch Corner to create a continuous dual carriageway expected to cut journey times by up to 12 minutes and improve HGV flow.
• Upgrades to three A38 Derby junctions at Kingsway, Markeaton and Little Eaton were sanctioned, featuring new flyovers and underpasses predicted to shave up to nine minutes off peak trips and support local housing growth.
• Funding was secured for partial dualling and seven junction improvements on the A12 between Ipswich and Woodbridge to relieve congestion and enhance reliability on this key east-west corridor.
• Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander formally withdrew backing for the A47 Wansford–Sutton and A12 Chelmsford–A120 projects to prioritise schemes with completed business cases and affordable budgets.
• Campaigners including Stop The A38 Expansion and Transport Action Network have vowed to pursue legal and public challenges against the approved road expansions over carbon emissions and community impacts.