The Department for Transport (DfT) in the UK will start development work on six road schemes over the next three years to improve the country’s strategic road network.

The scheme will make sure that the Highways Agency infrastructure is well maintained to support the government’s national infrastructure plan and contribute to economic growth.

UK Roads Minister Mike Penning said: "We are committed to tackling congestion, keeping traffic moving and supporting the UK economy, putting in money where it is most needed and where the public will get a good return on investment."

"We have already announced around £3bn of investment to complete work on Highways Agency major road projects under construction and to allow work to start before March 2015 on 20 much-needed road improvement schemes," added Penning.

"Today, I am confirming development work will be advanced on a further six schemes around the country. This means they will be in a good position to be selected for start of works in the early years of the next spending review period."

Development work will include designing and consulting on proposals, and proceeding with any required statutory processes.

The schemes will focus on the Thames Valley M4 Junctions 3-12 managed motorway scheme; Thurrock M25 Junction 30 / A13 congestion relief scheme; North Tyneside A19/A1058 Coast Road Junction improvement; Kent A21 Tonbridge – Pembury widening; Hull A63 Castle Street improvements; and Immingham A160/A180 improvements.

The next spending review period post-2015 will consider the proposals for delivery.