A major £308m investment in road repairs and transport infrastructure across the Liverpool City Region is set to go before the Combined Authority this week, marking a significant step forward in tackling potholes and upgrading local highways.
The proposed funding, drawn from the region’s £1.6bn Transport for City Region settlement, would push total highways investment beyond £500m once combined with the £233m already committed. If approved at the meeting on Friday 17 July, the funds will be distributed across all six boroughs: Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral.
Accelerating road repairs and improving everyday journeys
The new funding package aims to fast-track much-needed repairs and upgrades across key transport corridors. Local leaders are expecting improvements that will support safer and more reliable travel for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike.
A portion of the funding – £21m – has been specifically earmarked to strengthen infrastructure tied to highway safety initiatives. This forms part of the region’s ambitious “Vision Zero” strategy, which seeks to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries.
Alongside road repairs, the investment includes:
- £30m for modernising bus stops and shelters
- Accessibility improvements across bus and rail stations
- New wayfinding signage to support easier navigation across the network
These upgrades are designed to enhance daily travel experiences and encourage greater use of public and active transport.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool City Region, said:
“People don’t judge their transport network by reading strategy documents – they judge it by the journey they make every day. They notice whether the bus turns up on time, whether the road is full of potholes, and whether it’s safe to walk or cycle.
“For too long, our region hasn’t had the investment needed to keep those everyday journeys running smoothly. Thanks to devolution, we’re changing that. We’ve secured record funding and, crucially, we can decide locally how it’s spent to tackle the issues that matter most to our communities.
“This investment will help us repair roads, improve safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, keeping people moving, while continuing to build the modern, integrated transport system our region needs. That’s what devolution is all about – giving local leaders the tools to get on with the job and deliver better outcomes for the people they serve.”
Part of a wider transformation programme
The highways investment forms one of the central pillars of the wider TCR settlement, which is aimed at delivering a cleaner, more integrated and accessible transport network across the region.
Beyond roads, funding will also support:
- The largest-ever rail investment in the region, including new stations at Carr Mill (St Helens), Woodchurch (Wirral) and Daresbury (Halton)
- Continued improvements to the bus network as it transitions back under public control, including new low-emission double-decker buses
- The introduction of smart, tap-and-go ticketing across the entire transport system
- A further £100m for a new rapid transit network linking Liverpool city centre to John Lennon Airport and both major football stadiums
What this means for public sector leaders
For councils and transport authorities, this scale of funding represents more than just road repairs, it signals long-term transformation in how local infrastructure is managed and delivered. From improving asset resilience to meeting net zero and safety targets, the programme provides a framework for integrated investment across multiple transport modes.
Image credit: iStock
