The Government has published its draft third road investment strategy (RIS3), setting out priorities for England’s strategic road network (SRN) from 2026 to 2031, backed by a reported £24.9 billion of funding.
The Department for Transport (DfT) says RIS3 will focus on the needs of road users, with priorities including better management of roadworks and unplanned delays, improved information, safer design, smoother road surfaces and more reliable journeys.
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Our motorways and trunk roads are the economic arteries of the country… too often, we see delays, bottlenecks and deteriorating infrastructure that stifle progress.” She added that RIS3 will form a central part of the Government’s new 10-year Infrastructure Strategy, supporting growth, resilience and environmental goals.
National Highways will also contribute to decarbonisation, committing to a 100% electric light fleet by 2030, LED lighting across the network and wider net zero targets. But the Road Haulage Association warned that the reduced budget, down 10% from RIS2, risks hampering growth, while the RAC said cancelled projects could worsen congestion. Both welcomed the focus on tackling pinch points and preventative maintenance, with industry urging ministers not to lose sight of the importance of new infrastructure to support jobs and housebuilding.