Councillor Richard Somner, portfolio holder for Transport and Countryside has welcomed news that the A4 in West Berkshire is set to receive vital upgrades thanks to a £93 million investment into the country’s roads by the Conservative Government.
Thanks to the investment, the district will receive £4.5m in order to facilitate the treatment of the road surface alongside planned junction improvements and cycleway works along the A4.
The funding comes as part of the Conservatives’ commitment to level up connectivity and improve transport links across the country, in order to bring more opportunities to people. In total, 32 local authorities will benefit from a share of a £93 million investment for essential repair works, boosting infrastructure, cutting congestion, improving road conditions and making journeys easier.
The Conservative Government is also providing £900,000 to fund cutting-edge research projects aimed at creating a better transport system. One of the projects that will receive funding is planning to develop a new AI-powered app to detect potholes in real time, in order to help local authorities quickly identify when they need to take action to improve road surfaces.
Commenting, Cllr Somner said:
“I’m thrilled that A4 is set to receive the vital upgrades it needs thanks to this investment from the Conservative Government.
“These upgrades will make it easier for people to get around, and for businesses in West Berkshire to move their goods and services around the country.
“Good transport infrastructure is vital for this Government’s determination to level up connectivity across the UK in order to bring more opportunities to people, and it’s fantastic news that West Berkshire is already benefitting from these ambitious and exciting plans.”
Also commenting, Roads Minister Baroness Vere said:
“There is nothing more frustrating than a journey delayed by poor road conditions, and this multi-million pound boost will help improve connectivity across the country.
“This investment will not only help local areas to target current pinch points on their roads, but will also harness our world-leading research and innovation capabilities to future proof the next generation of journeys.”
