Road improvements cash welcomed by cityTemplate

Derby City Council has welcomed plans by the East Midlands Combined County Authority to invest millions of pounds in road improvements across the region.

The funding aims to make roads safer, reduce congestion, and tackle years of wear and tear caused by previous underinvestment in the region.

The money would be used for a range of work, from repairing worn surfaces and potholes, improving footways and cycleways, repairing and improving lighting, protecting important structures and increased proactive maintenance which stops damage before it happens.

Some projects will combine repairs with improvements to, drainage, and other public space improvements, delivering better results for local communities.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “By acting now, we can tackle years of wear and tear, support local communities and make journeys smoother for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. This decisive action shows we are ready to deliver in 2026.”

Councillor Carmel Swan, cabinet member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability at Derby City Council, said: “This proposed additional investment is excellent news for our region and our city.

“We’ve already benefitted from EMCCA funding for transport projects around the city and look forward to further investment so we can continue to deliver a Derby to be proud of.”