The Department of Transport (DfT) has announced several Major Road Network (MRN) and Large Local Majors (MRN/LLM) programme schemes that will be funded in 2026.
Following a 2025 review of 41 Major Road Network and Large Local Majors (MRN/LLM) programme schemes, 16 MRN/LLM schemes will progress, subject to relevant business case approvals.
“These 16 MRN/LLM schemes will deliver vital housing, create jobs and local and regional growth opportunities, and provide other benefits for local people and value for money for taxpayers,” said a DfT announcement.
Southampton City Council has said it is pleased that this announcement will mean that the Outline Business Case for replacing and enhancing Northam Rail Bridge will go ahead.
The Northam Rail Bridge replacement and enhancement project aims to fully replace the bridge, which is reaching the end of its operational life, with two new bridges. The new bridges will tackle persistent maintenance problems and remove a major bottleneck in Southampton’s transport network.
The scheme seeks to provide wider, safer paths for pedestrians and cyclists, priority for buses, and creating better and more accessible links to key destinations like St Mary’s Stadium, Itchen Riverside, and Old Northam Road. By making travel across the city easier and supporting economic growth, this project is a key part of the
Southampton Renaissance Vision and the city and wider area’s plans.
Stephen Haynes, Executive Director Growth and Prosperity at Southampton City Council, commented:
“We are delighted that the Northam Rail Bridge continues to be recognised as a priority for potential support from the Major Road Network. Our engagement with local residents, businesses, and commuters revealed that 89% of participants are in favour of the plans, with 79% expecting a positive outcome. This clearly demonstrates the bridge’s importance as a crucial connection for Southampton, underpinning everyday activities and the city’s ongoing development. We remain steadfast in our commitment to keeping this essential route open and accessible for all.”
Paul McAleer, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail said:
“We are pleased that the Northam Rail Bridge has been retained as a priority within the Major Road Network programme by DfT (Highways). Network Rail is keen to continue to work as delivery partner with Southampton City Council to progress the scheme to OBC. This project is a strong example of how locally led, third-party investment can deliver mutual benefits for both the highway and the railway, while also helping to unlock further opportunities for future collaboration and the transformation of the local area.”
The scheme still requires funding approval and Southampton City Council will continue to work in partnership with Network Rail, to prepare the Outline Business Case to be submitted in Summer 2026.
These are the 16 MRN/LLM schemes will continue following the 2025 MRN review.
A140-A1120 Earl Stonham
Realignment of the A140/A1120 junction at Earl Stonham village.
A10 Corridor Scheme in Broxbourne
A10 junction improvements plus supporting sustainable transport measures.
Norwich Western Link
New link to the west of Norwich.
Vauxhall Way Improvements Phase 1
Dualling the existing Vauxhall Way to increase capacity.
Shalesmoor Gateway
Replacement of existing Shalesmoor roundabout and widening carriageway links, and upgrades to junction at Rutland Road/Penistone Road in Sheffield.
A650 Tong Street
Carriageway widening to 2 lanes in each direction and improvements to active travel facilities.
A426/A4071 Avon Mill/Hunters Lane improvements
Enlargement of Avon Mill roundabout, provision of new roundabout at A426 Newbold Road-Hunters Lane, new short length of dual carriageway between the 2 roundabouts including a new bridge over the River Avon.
A43 Northampton
Phase 3 of dualling of the A43 between the A45 and A14. Duals the stretch between Overstone Grange Roundabout and Holcot/Sywell Roundabout.
A379 Bridge Road (formerly Exeter Outer Ring Road)
Major structural renewals on a key arterial route over the River Exe.
M5 Junction 28
Improvements to junction to mitigate impacts of Culm Garden Village development.
Northam Rail Bridge
Provision of a new, widened, replacement bridge on the A3024 corridor in Southampton.
A229 Blue Bell Hill improvements
Upgrade of junctions at either end of Bluebell Hill: A229/M2 J3 and A229/M20 J6.
A259 South Coast Corridor
Measures to enhance access to public transport and active travel facilities alongside localised road and junction capacity improvements.
A326 Waterside improvements
Improvements to the A326 Corridor connecting into the M27 at Junction 2 and serving the Waterside area of the New Forest.
Wigan East West
A link road connecting the A49 at Wigan to the A58 at Hindley.
Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor Phase 4
Improvements to the A1231 between the new bridge over the River Wear and the junction with the A19.
(Map: DfT)
