Mayor’s £470m investment in transport to ‘revolutionise’ travel across the East Midlands

Mayor Claire Ward on board one of the region's buses (Credit: Onclusive News)

More than £470 million is to be invested in transport across the East Midlands in a “once-in-a-generation” package to deliver better buses, road repairs and safer cycle routes.

The investment – the largest funding settlement ever secured for the region – is set to transform travel, improve connectivity and enhance the quality of life for residents across the East Midlands.

The funding aims to modernise the region’s transport network, support economic growth, and improve environmental sustainability, delivering lasting improvements across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “This approved funding gives us the certainty we need to invest properly in our roads, improve public transport, and create safer, greener routes for walking and cycling.

“It’s about making life better for people across the East Midlands in a way they can feel, every day. Safer streets, quicker journeys, and new opportunities for walking, cycling, and public transport will benefit families, commuters, and local communities.”

In approving the settlement at their latest meeting today (Monday 9th March), East Midlands Combined County Authority Board members have recognised the “backlog of maintenance issues across our highways”, with a minimum of £120.9 million approved for road maintenance and repairs across the region for each of the next three years – a 140 per cent uplift on maintenance investment in 2024/25.

The funding, shared between the four local highways authorities across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, will ensure smoother journeys, safer roads and more reliable travel for residents and businesses alike. Regular repairs and upgrades will also make the region’s transport network more resilient to heavy use, extreme weather and future demand.

In addition, a minimum of £13.5m per year will support smaller-scale, community-focused transport schemes to improve people’s lives, including:

• Safer streets and crossings for pedestrians and children walking to school;
• Expanded cycling and walking routes to encourage active travel;
• Local road and junction improvements to reduce congestion;
• Regeneration projects to enhance public spaces and neighbourhoods.

Immediate investment has also been approved for several high-priority projects:

• Spondon Interchange, Derby – improving access and easing congestion;
• A50 Junction 3a link road, South Derbyshire Growth Zone – supporting growth and development;
• A614/A6097 corridor improvements, Nottinghamshire – reducing journey times and increasing safety;
• Road safety programmes across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire;
• Active travel and regeneration projects promoting greener and healthier travel.

These schemes are expected to deliver shorter commutes, safer roads, reduced congestion, and better access to key destinations, while encouraging sustainable travel choices for residents.

This package represents the first phase of a wider investment programme, with additional funding allocations to be considered next month.

Further details on future allocations will be announced later this year.