The Department for Transport has launched a new £165million fund with the aim of removing the barriers that are holding back housing and key growth developments by delivering transport improvements and links.
The new fund forms part of Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3), the government’s £27billion for England’s motorways and major A-roads from 2026 to 2031, which is designed not just to maintain and renew the existing network, but to ensure England’s roads actively support economic growth, removing the infrastructure barriers that have held back new homes, jobs and investment.
It will focus on locations on or near to motorways and A-roads across England, ensuring communities can benefit from new homes and the jobs and opportunities that come with them.
Secretary of state, Heidi Alexander, said: “Too many housing and employment opportunities have stalled for years, held back by the infrastructure that wasn’t there to support them.”
“This fund will pave the way for developments that have sat idle for too long, funding the transport links that stalled sites need to get moving and generating new jobs and opportunities for communities that deserve them.”
“It is a deliberate choice – and a signal that this government is serious about removing the barriers to growth.”
Housing secretary, Steve Reed, said: “For many people, the dream of a decent home, close to work, and with good connections to their community, has been out of reach.”
“This government is firing on all cylinders to get spades in the ground faster so we can build new homes, bolster our transport links and create jobs in the places most in need.”
“This is exactly the kind of targeted, practical action that will help us reach 1.5 million new homes and create thriving communities where people can put down roots.”
National Highways will invite local authorities in the coming weeks to register developments for consideration and publish a rolling programme of funded schemes from the end of 2026/27.
National Highways executive director, Elliot Shaw, said: “Reliable roads are crucial to housing developments. They shape where people want to live, where businesses want to invest, and where communities can thrive.”
“This fund will help unlock the transport links needed for new homes and jobs and help the government achieve its ambitions on economic growth.”
