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UK councils win funding for local infrastructure projects

Councils across England will receive a share of US$410 million for major local roads maintenance, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has announced. The Challenge Fund will be used for one-off major infrastructure schemes by local authorities to improve life for local residents and businesses. The 31 schemes being awarded funding across the 28 local authorities include safety repairs, bridge renewal, carriageway and drainage improvements, as well as upgrading street lighting in a number of areas to bring
March 25, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
Councils across England will receive a share of US$410 million for major local roads maintenance, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has announced.

The Challenge Fund will be used for one-off major infrastructure schemes by local authorities to improve life for local residents and businesses.

The 31 schemes being awarded funding across the 28 local authorities include safety repairs, bridge renewal, carriageway and drainage improvements, as well as upgrading street lighting in a number of areas to bring them in line with modern standards.

The money is part of the US$9 billion funding for local road maintenance announced in December 2014. The funding was awarded following a bidding process from local authorities and the winners put forward the strongest case.

McLoughlin said: “Good quality local roads are essential for people to get on with their daily business and today’s announcement will provide extra capacity where it is needed most. This government has put record funding in place for local roads as part of our long-term economic plan to improve journeys, create jobs and drive economic growth.”

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