The government has unveiled a major initiative to support councils across England in repairing aging and deteriorating infrastructure, including bridges, flyovers, and tunnels. The new Structures Fund, opening today (Wednesday 15 April), aims to tackle decades of neglect that have led to weight restrictions, extended travel times, and frequent closures disrupting communities and local economies.
This fund will provide direct financial assistance to councils, with a special focus on those in Birmingham and the Midlands, enabling them to address urgent repairs they could not afford on their own. By investing in critical infrastructure renovations, the program seeks to enhance resilience against extreme weather and ensure safer, smoother, and more reliable journeys for all road users.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized the necessity of this investment: “Crumbling bridges and worn-out flyovers have been patched up rather than properly fixed for far too long, causing frustrating weight limits and lengthy diversions. Every closed bridge is a barrier to growth; a blocked route to work, a delayed delivery, a family unable to reach the services they depend on. Councils have known what needs fixing for years but simply haven’t had the resources to act. We’re changing that, making sure structures are repaired properly, so people can live in properly connected communities.”
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To maximize the effectiveness of the fund, the government has enlisted engineering consultant WSP to provide free expert guidance to all applicants. Their support includes assistance with cost estimates and delivery plan development to help councils submit solid, competitive applications. Draft submissions are encouraged by 19 June to receive early feedback, with final applications due by 3 August 2026.
Authorities will also benefit from a series of webinars scheduled throughout April and May, designed to help them navigate the application process with ease. Funding allocations will be announced in Autumn 2026, with all successful projects expected to complete repairs by March 2030.
Steve Denston, Managing Director at WSP Civil and Vice President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, highlighted the importance of the fund: “Like much of the UK’s essential infrastructure, local highways structures are ageing and performing beyond their original design expectations, especially as they face more extreme weather. The DfT Structures Fund is an invaluable initiative that will provide a step change in funding for critical infrastructure, releasing economic growth and safeguarding community assets.”