Derby’s transport and highways set to receive £15.6m boost

Transport and highways in Derby are set to receive a £15.6 million boost from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

The money, which is subject to approval of the EMCCA budget on 10 March, is part of a multi-million-pound package for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire councils.

It amounts to £10.71 million of new funding coming into Derby following the establishment of EMCCA and includes cash for highway maintenance and larger schemes.

Councillor Kathy Kozlowski, Derby City Council’s cabinet member for governance and finance, said: “This is excellent news for Derby and will direct much-needed cash into our road and transport network.

“The additional funding for highways maintenance is particularly welcome, as the continuing pressure on the council budget means we’re not in the position to propose any additional borrowing for our highways and transport capital programme in 2025/26.”

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This is a huge step forward for transport in Derby and the East Midlands as a whole.

“We want to investing millions to build a better, more connected future for our communities.

“This funding will make a real difference to everyday lives, making travel easier, safer, and more reliable, whether by bus, bike, or on foot, while also tackling much-needed road repairs.”

Out of Derby’s allocation, £6.46 million is advance funding, which would be used to improve the A52 Spondon interchange, the inner ring road and carry out a feasibility study, designs, business case and planning to replace Darley Abbey Mills Bridge.

It would also fund feasibility works aimed at improving key routes into the city for cyclists and pedestrians, pipeline development and repairs to culverts and preventative maintenance to highways.

Additional funding of £3 million has been allocated for improvements to the Merrill Way, A514 and Boulton Lane junction, which is key to enabling the construction of the new A50 junction as part of the South Derby Growth Zone.

Derby City Council would also receive £3.117 million, plus an additional £1.259 million for Highways maintenance, and £2.94 million for capital spending for its Bus Service Improvement Plan.

Mayor Claire said: “By working closely with our local councils and partners, we will ensure every pound is spent wisely to improve transport links, reduce congestion, and support greener, more sustainable ways to travel.

“This is about more than just infrastructure – it’s about connecting people to opportunities, whether that’s jobs, skills training, education, or our fantastic local attractions.

“Our ambition is clear: to create a transport system that not only meets the needs of today but also lays the foundations for a stronger, more prosperous East Midlands in the future.

“We want this region to be a place where people and businesses can thrive, and this funding, when approved, will be a major step toward achieving that vision.”