Known as ‘pinch point’ improvement schemes, the extra work boost will go to existing MAC and ASC contractors around the regions.

The projects represent the first stage of a £217m programme of improvements to England’s motorways and major A roads, unveiled by Roads Minister Mike Penning today.

The Highways Agency will start the planning and design for £18.5m worth of schemes this financial year, with work to be undertaken and completed by 2015.

Details of the main programme of pinch point schemes will be announced later this year.

Penning said: “The pinch point improvements overall will inject more than £200m of vital investment across the strategic road network.

“The programme provides smaller scale improvements that can deliver big returns by easing congestion and making journey times more reliable for road users, including hauliers and commuters. This will boost local economies and drive economic growth.

“Transport provides the crucial links that allow people and businesses to prosper and we will continue to invest in schemes that reduce congestion and support economic growth.”

Schemes in detail

M1 Junction 21 / M69, Leicester – Add an extra lane on the southbound exit slip road of the M1. An additional lane is also being added to the M69 mainline as you exit from the roundabout.

A38 Markeaton Roundabout, Interim Improvements, Derby – Install some signals at the junction and widen the southbound lane of the A38 as it approaches the junction along with the southbound section of the roundabout itself.

A38 Little Eaton Roundabout, Interim Improvements, Derby – Widen the A38 northbound lanes as they approach the junction along with the northbound section of the roundabout. Widen the A61 where it approaches and also leaves the junction. The B6179 arm will be slightly moved so that it is aligned with the enhanced junction.

A30 Newtown Roundabout, Penzance – Two new narrow traffic lanes for 50m on the westbound A30 approach to the roundabout.

A1033 Northern Gateway, Kingston-Upon-Hull – Improve access and reduce congestion at the King George Dock and Ferry Terminal at the Port of Hull. This involves the provision of traffic signals on the A1033 approaches to the roundabout and provision of a dedicated lane for port-bound traffic.

M60 Junction 24 / Denton Roundabout, Denton, Tameside – Build dedicated left turn lane for traffic going towards Manchester off the A57 and improve the M60 off-slip approaches.

A34/M40 Junction 9 (Wendlebury) Improvement, Bicester – Widen the northbound A34 approach and widen the A41 exit to allow all 3 lanes on the circulator carriageway to exit onto the A41.

A46 Cold Ashton Roundabout Improvement, South Gloucestershire – The scheme involves widening the A46 and A420 approaches to Cold Ashton roundabout and providing an additional lane so that two lanes circulate the roundabout.