Government ‘Structures Fund’ to help local authorities finance repairs

West Midlands councils are being urged to apply for a new government fund to repair deteriorating bridges, flyovers and tunnels.

Neglected infrastructure continues to add miles to everyday journeys across the region.

The Government’s new ‘Structures Fund’ promises to allocate £1 billion to improve England’s road network.

This pot sits within the £24 billion allocated at last year’s Spending Review for roads and rail maintenance.

What the fund means for the region

Authorities across the West Midlands, a region with ageing highway infrastructure including weight-restricted crossings and vulnerable flyovers, can now submit bids for money to tackle repairs they cannot afford alone.

To help councils make the strongest possible applications, the government has appointed consultants WSP to provide free guidance to all applicants, from reviewing cost estimates to developing delivery plans.

Key deadlines

Draft applications should be submitted by June 19 for early feedback, with a final deadline of August 3. Funding decisions will be announced in Autumn 2026, with all successful schemes required to complete work by March 2030.

The wider picture

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said closed bridges represent “a barrier to growth: a blocked route to work, a delayed delivery, a family unable to reach the services they depend on.”

The fund builds on £7.3 billion already committed to local highway authorities for pothole repairs between 2026 and 2030, which the government claims is the most significant investment in local infrastructure in a generation.

A series of webinars will be held throughout April and May to help councils navigate the application process.