Skip to main content

More than 40 ‘zombie’ UK road projects revived

More than 40 so-called ‘zombie’ road projects previously defeated for environmental reasons or abandoned by previous governments are reported to have been resuscitated. While 44 schemes are planned or are under way, a further 150 projects have been identified by the Campaign for Better Transport (CBT). The UK is engaged in the largest road construction programme in 25 years. The CBT worked out that the 190 projects it is aware of would cost at least US $ 32.01 billion (£20bn). They claim they would lead to
October 12, 2012 Read time: 1 min
More than 40 so-called ‘zombie’ road projects previously defeated for environmental reasons or abandoned by previous governments are reported to have been resuscitated.

While 44 schemes are planned or are under way, a further 150 projects have been identified by the 6698 Campaign for Better Transport (CBT). The UK is engaged in the largest road construction programme in 25 years. The CBT worked out that the 190 projects it is aware of would cost at least US $ 32.01 billion (£20bn). They claim they would lead to intense local competition and harm the environment, rather than kick starting the economy or easing congestion.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • “Record” cash for filling English potholes
    March 25, 2025
    The transport secretary also unveiled funding for 2025-26 for National Highways, the English road agency, to deliver critical road schemes and maintain motorways and critical major A-roads.
  • Learning from Russia's controversial road project
    February 9, 2012
    The International Road Federation (IRF), founded in 1948, is the only world forum advocating better and safer roads through better road design and construction bearing in mind the user. It is a unique institution that brings together members active in road infrastructure from both the private and public sectors. The IRF promotes roads that are safe, economically viable and ecologically friendly. The IRF believes that a sound road infrastructure brings prosperity, fights poverty, furthers education and gi
  • The Preston Western Distributor
    September 7, 2023
    Costain, as main contractor for the Preston Western Distributor project, was involved from the earliest stages, thanks to the UK’s Early Contractor Involvement approach. The project was delivered on time and on budget to the benefit of the local environment, local businesses and the region’s workforce. David Arminas reports*
  • Road pricing could boost UK road investment
    July 4, 2012
    UK road users receive a mere £4 billion in capital investment, and congestion increases. Road pricing could provide the roads needed and reduce taxes, says a new report UK motorists receive a "paltry" £4 billion (€5 billion) investment in road capacity in return for the €57.5 billion a year they contribute in road user taxes, according to the 2008/9 Road File, published by the UK Road Users Alliance (RUA). Over the last decade, this infrastructure spend has led to a minimal 1% increase in the road network t