Two roads in the North East and North Yorkshire – among the “deadliest” in England – have been earmarked for safety improvements, it has been revealed.
Department for Transport (DfT) has announced the A690 in County Durham and the A19 in North Yorkshire are among 17 in England due for safety improvements.
The A690 and A19 have both been at the centre of campaigns for improvements over the years following several fatal crashes.
The DfT says a total of £38.3 million has been allocated to council projects, estimated to save 385 lives over the next 20 years.
The work will include designing new junctions and roundabouts, clearer signage and road markings, and improved pedestrian crossings and cycle lanes.
This is part of the Safer Roads Fund, from which £147.5 million has already been invested to make 38 high-risk roads safer.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “Britain’s roads are some of the safest in the world, but we are always looking at ways to help keep drivers and all road users safe.
“As part of the Government’s plan to improve roads across the country, we’re providing an extra £38 million so that local councils in England have the support they need to keep everyone safe, while reducing congestion and helping to grow the economy.”
Among the roads which will be improved under the scheme are the A432 in Bristol, the A113 in Essex and the A6 in Lancashire.
Dr Suzy Charman, executive director of the Road Safety Foundation charity, said: “The Safer Roads Fund is a transformational initiative for road safety and for the local authorities receiving funds.
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“It makes it possible for road safety teams across the country to proactively address risk of death and serious injury for all road users on these routes.”
Steve Gooding, director of motoring research charity RAC Foundation, said: “Today’s announcement means another 120 miles of safer road improvements will be delivered to the benefit of users.
“Such incremental improvements are key to achieving our collective aim for a safer road network as a whole.”
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