Transport and highways in Derby stand to benefit from £15.6 million of funding from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

The money, which is subject to approval of the EMCCA budget on 10 March, is part of a multi-million pound package for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire councils.

This amounts to £10.71 million of new funding coming into Derby following the establishment of EMCCA, and includes money for highway maintenance and larger schemes.

£6.46 million is advance funding from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements 2 pot. This includes:

  • Improving the A52 Spondon interchange
  • Improvements to the Inner Ring Road
  • A feasibility study, designs, business case and planning to replace Darley Abbey Mills Bridge
  • Feasibility works aimed at improving key routes into the city for cyclists and pedestrians
  • Pipeline development and repairs to culverts
  • Preventative maintenance to highways.

Additional funding of £3 million has been allocated for improvements to the Merrill Way, A514 and Boulton Lane junction, which is key to enabling the construction of the new A50 junction as part of the South Derby Growth Zone.

The Council would also receive £3.117 million plus an additional £1.259 million for Highways maintenance, and £2.94 million for capital spending for the Bus Service Improvement Plan.

Councillor Kathy Kozlowski, Cabinet Member for Governance and Finance, said:

This is excellent news for Derby and will direct much-needed cash into our road and transport network. The additional funding for highways maintenance is particularly welcome, as the continuing pressure on the Council budget means we’re not in the position to propose any additional borrowing for our highways and transport capital programme in 2025/26.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said:

This is a huge step forward for transport in Derby and the East Midlands as a whole. We want to investing millions to build a better, more connected future for our communities. This funding will make a real difference to everyday lives, making travel easier, safer, and more reliable, whether by bus, bike, or on foot, while also tackling much-needed road repairs.

By working closely with our local councils and partners, we will ensure every pound is spent wisely to improve transport links, reduce congestion, and support greener, more sustainable ways to travel. This is about more than just infrastructure - it’s about connecting people to opportunities, whether that’s jobs, skills training, education, or our fantastic local attractions.

Our ambition is clear: to create a transport system that not only meets the needs of today but also lays the foundations for a stronger, more prosperous East Midlands in the future. We want this region to be a place where people and businesses can thrive, and this funding, when approved, will be a major step toward achieving that vision.

The funding proposals will go to EMCCA’s Transport and Digital Connectivity Committee on 4 March, before going to the EMCCA Board the following week, and the Department for Transport. A report with full details will then go to Derby City Council’s Cabinet.