Essex County Council has announced a £12.3 million funding boost for highways as part of its 2025/26 budget.
The council's budget and annual plan for the next year were presented and formally approved by county council members at a Full Council meeting.
The additional funding will be allocated across several areas, including £8.5 million to continue the Members’ Highways Initiative, a £1.6 million increase in the road safety budget, and £1.3 million for improvements to cycle paths.
A total of £500,000 will be used to repair damaged road signs and £400,000 extra funding will be used to improve drains and reduce the risk of flooding.
Tom Cunningham, councillor responsible for highways, infrastructure and sustainable transport, said:
"I hear time and again how important it is to residents that we carry out much needed road repairs and how doing so makes them proud of where they live.
"So, I am pleased that for another year we have been able to invest a significant amount of additional funding to carry out the repairs residents want to see and that we know will improve their journeys.
"Next year’s additional investment also acknowledges that Essex has one of the busiest road networks in the country and this takes its toll not just on the road surface but on the safety of our roads."It is our duty to do what we can to ensure everyone’s journey in Essex is as safe as it can be."
The council will also prioritise the spending of its more than £2 billion budget next year across other key areas.
This includes a strong, inclusive and sustainable economy, a high-quality environment, positive health, wellbeing and independence for all ages, and a great place for children and families to grow.
Councillor Chris Whitbread, chancellor of Essex, said: "We have a strong track record of delivering for the residents and businesses of Essex."Our extra investment in key areas such as highways is proof that we are listening to and prioritising what is most important to the people we serve."
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