The Liverpool City Region is set to receive a £300m funding boost to fix potholes and improve transport infrastructure across all six boroughs. Subject to approval by the Combined Authority leaders next week, the money will accelerate road repairs and upgrades on key transport corridors, making them safer for buses, cyclists, and motorists.
Record Investment in Highways
This cash injection adds to over £233m already allocated for highways upgrades, bringing total investment in local roads past £500m. The funding comes from a £1.6bn settlement secured through Transport for City Regions (TCR). Mayor Steve Rotheram said the investment will “keep people moving, while continuing to build the modern, integrated transport system our region needs.”
Safety and Infrastructure Improvements
£21m is dedicated to highway safety initiatives across Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, and Wirral, supporting the region’s “Vision Zero” strategy to eliminate all road traffic fatalities and serious injuries. A further £30m will upgrade bus stops, shelters, and improve accessibility at bus and rail stations, including new wayfinding signage.
Mersey Tunnels Maintenance
£25m has been provisionally allocated for maintenance of the Mersey Tunnels estate, including repairs to eight ventilation stations and critical electrical infrastructure upgrades in the Kingsway and Queensway Tunnels.
Mayor's Statement
Mr Rotheram emphasised the practical impact: “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.” He added that devolution allows local leaders to decide how funding is spent to tackle issues that matter most to communities.
Broader Transport Investments
TCR funding is also supporting the region’s largest-ever investment in rail network development, including new stations at Carr Mill in St Helens, Woodchurch in Wirral, and Daresbury in Halton. Significant funding is allocated for the bus network as it returns under public control, including new greener double-decker buses and smart tap-and-go ticketing across the entire network. Additionally, £100m is allocated for a new rapid transit network linking Liverpool city centre to John Lennon Airport and both Liverpool and Everton football stadiums.
