The UK Government has announced an investment of over £100m for road construction and improvement work across the country.

A total of 18 new road schemes received approval from the Department for Transport (DfT). The projects will create employment opportunities to support local economies.

Four schemes received approval to proceed with construction, including the Preston Western Distributor Scheme, which involves a new dual carriageway between the M55 and A583. The scheme will receive a funding of £31m.

The Stubbington Bypass project will construct a new 3.5km single-carriageway road to decongest traffic. It will be given a £25.5m grant.

An intersection between the A419 and A420 to the east of Swindon will be improved under the White Hart Junction Scheme.

The Wichelstowe Southern Access Scheme will involve building an access road under the M4 motorway.

Other schemes that have been awarded development funding include the Tyne Bridge and Central Motorway Renewal Project, the A140 Long Stratton Bypass, the A38 Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme, the A511 growth corridor in Leicestershire and phase 1 of the A38 / A374 / A386 / A3064 Plymouth Motorway Renewal Project.

The remaining schemes received approval to proceed to the next stage of development.

This is the first of several funding rounds, with the government set to announce further rounds in the coming months.

Approximately £25.3bn ($31bn) will be invested in the national road network between 2020 and 2025.

The second Road Investment Strategy is expected to be revealed by the end of this year.