Cheshire East Council has announced that a borough-wide programme of highways and transport improvements will take place over the coming year, backed by significant investment to improve the safety and condition of the borough’s roads.
The Council is investing £45m in a diverse programme of highways and transport improvements in 2026/7. This includes £32m of investment in maintaining roads – £5m more than last year.
This year’s programme is supported by a £10m local transport grant from central government to the new Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority, which will fund a wide range of transport improvements. The council will also benefit from a £5.18m local bus grant.
Councillor Mark Goldsmith, chair of Cheshire East Council’s highways and transport committee, said:
“Residents expect safe, reliable roads and this investment will allow us to address our most pressing maintenance needs, while improving the routes people use every day.
“We’re focusing on the areas where the benefits will be felt the most, including supporting local bus services and enhancing walking and cycling links – all to make travel safer, more dependable and more accessible.
“During the winter months, when the weather can be very challenging, it’s harder for us to make permanent repairs to our roads – and our immediate focus is of course on road safety.
“However, the warmer spring and summer months allow for a wider range of techniques to be used for improvement works on our roads, which is the most cost-effective way to enhance driving conditions for the greatest number of road users.
“Our priority is keeping people moving and strengthening the resilience of our transport network. While this year’s investment is substantial, we know that funding remains a challenge, particularly for roads maintenance.
“We will continue to make the case for better and long-term government investment in our highways and will ensure that the resources we do have are used in the right place, at the right time.”
(Picture: Cheshire East Council)
