Somerset’s aging infrastructure, including bridges, tunnels, and flyovers, may soon receive much-needed repairs thanks to a new £1 billion fund launched by the Department for Transport (DfT). This fund is specifically designed to support English local authorities in fixing deteriorating structures that have long been neglected due to limited budgets.
On April 14, the DfT announced the creation of this structures fund, which targets local bridges, tunnels, and flyovers suffering from wear and tear. The funding is intended to assist councils in undertaking projects that would be otherwise unaffordable without partnerships with National Highways, Network Rail, or property developers.
Somerset Council is currently preparing to submit a bid within the upcoming weeks, although it has not yet specified which structures will be prioritized if granted funding. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “Crumbling bridges and worn-out flyovers have been patched up rather than properly fixed for far too long, leading to frustrating weight limits and lengthy diversions.”
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She highlighted the broader impact, saying, “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.” The Secretary also stressed that the government is committed to providing councils with the necessary resources to address these critical needs.
A key eligibility requirement is that the bridges or tunnels must be fully owned by the local council, excluding major roads and rail infrastructure managed by National Highways or Network Rail. This means repairs to the M5, A303, A36, or railway bridges and tunnels are not covered by this funding.
To aid councils in the bidding process, the DfT has enlisted consultancy firm WSP to provide free guidance and practical support. Steve Denston, WSP’s managing director, remarked on the importance of the fund, noting how aging infrastructure demands urgent attention to support economic growth and safeguard communities.
Local authorities have until June 19 to submit draft funding applications and will receive feedback before the final submission deadline on August 3. The DfT plans to announce successful bids in the autumn, with all projects required to be completed by March 2030.
Somerset Council confirmed it is thoroughly reviewing fund guidelines and intends to identify and propose projects that would deliver significant benefits to the community. A spokesperson said, “We have a range of highway structures where this funding could potentially help address long‐standing issues, and we would expect to pursue an application.”