The government’s Structures Fund has formally opened, after first being announced as part of last June’s 10-year infrastructure strategy.

The fund will consider bids to improve bridges, flyovers and tunnels across England’s road network. The money comes as part of a £1bn settlement, although it is understood that £590m of this has already been allocated to the Lower Thames Crossing, leaving £410m for the fund.

The new crossing will cut frustrating congestion at Dartford, better linking up motorists and businesses in the Midlands and North with key ports in the South East.

Government said across Great Britain, approximately 3,000 bridges are currently unable to support the heaviest vehicles, restricting access for agricultural and freight transport in regions and slowing down journeys.

Transport secretary, Hedi Alexander, said: “We’re finally getting on with the Lower Thames Crossing — a crucial project to drive economic growth, that has been stuck in planning limbo for far too long.

“This project is essential for improving the resilience of a key freight route and is critical to our long term trade with Europe. It will speed up the movement of goods from South East England to the Midlands and the North, crucial to thousands of jobs and businesses.

“Our Structures Fund will make long-overdue investments to repair ageing structures across the country, speeding up journeys, restoring pride and delivering our Plan for Change to boost the economy and support regional growth.”

Councils have been requested to submit draft applications by 19 June for early feedback, with a final deadline of 3 August 2026 ahead of funding decisions being announced this autumn. All successful schemes will be required to complete works by March 2030.

Steve Denton, WSP's managing director, civil who is also vice president of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: “Like much of the UK’s essential infrastructure, local highways structures are ageing, performing at levels beyond the original design expectations, and suffering from more extreme weather.

“The DfT Structures Fund is an invaluable initiative that will provide a step change in funding for critical infrastructure, releasing economic growth and safeguarding community assets.”

Full guidance and application forms can be found here.