UK Government Allocates £3bn Transport Funding to Tees Valley, East Midlands

The Tees Valley region is set to receive nearly £1 billion in transport funding, confirmed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, enabling critical infrastructure projects including a third platform at Middlesbrough Railway Station, a new station at Teesside Park, and an autonomous tram network across the area. This investment, part of the second round of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS2), follows a previous allocation by the Conservative government and had been under review before being fully confirmed by the current Labour government. Local leaders, including Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, emphasized the funding as essential for unlocking economic growth, improving connectivity, and creating jobs across Teesside, Darlington, and Hartlepool. The government aims to address regional disparities by investing in transport infrastructure nationwide, with a total of £15.6 billion allocated for local transport projects across England. Parallel transport investments are also underway in other regions, such as the East Midlands, where up to £2 billion will support integrated transport systems to reduce congestion and boost economic development. These initiatives represent a shift toward more balanced regional growth by enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of transport networks.