Norfolk's roads, cycle routes and bus network will benefit from up to £83 million a year in capital investment under a highways programme approved by Cabinet for the period 2026 to 2030.

The multi-year government funding settlement allows the council to plan proactive and preventative maintenance rather than reacting to problems as they arise. Norfolk has over 6,000 miles of road and was rated second in the country for pothole repairs, Cabinet heard.

Since the report was published, the government has approved a capitalisation direction related to the Norwich Western Link. Separately, £18.73 million in government funding has been secured for the King's Lynn STARS (Sustainable Transport and Regeneration Scheme) project. Combined with a £2.8 million local contribution, this will bring £21 million of improvements to the town.

Bus passenger numbers in Norfolk have increased by 26%, Cabinet heard, the result of partnership working with bus companies. People walking and cycling have also increased in areas where active travel schemes have been delivered.

Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Transport Cllr Graham Plant noted that including active travel elements in transport projects is now a requirement in order to receive government funding. He encouraged residents to share their views on where cycling and walking infrastructure should be located.

The programme will be submitted to the Department for Transport as part of the Local Transport Delivery Plan in March and September 2026.