The UK transport infrastructure sector is gearing up for the launch of the new government-owned body that will replace the outgoing Highways Agency from April 1st.

Highways England is soon to come into being, with the aim of providing a new organisation capable of delivering far-reaching improvements to transport connectivity across the whole of England in the years ahead, but doing so in a more efficient and cost-effective manner than has previously been the case.

Indeed, during the course of the next ten years, Highways England is expected to help save the taxpayer a combined £2.6 billion through a package of far-reaching reform in the way transport network improvements are both overseen and carried out.

Announced as part of the chancellor's Roads Investment Strategy in December, the new government-owned body will be accountable directly to parliament and will have responsibility for ensuring all works are carried out on time and within budget.

In total, 84 major transport network developments are now in the planning pipeline and will be ready to put into action by Highways England when the organisation officially takes on the mantle of the nation's highways industry regulator next month.

Examples of the scope of these schemes include the creation of a new 1.8-mile tunnel at Stonehenge to help to reduce serious levels of congestion in the area – at an expected cost of £2 billion – as well as a £4.5 billion commitment to add extra lanes to key motorways to boost connectivity between London, Birmingham, Manchester and Yorkshire.

Transport minister John Hayes commented: "This marks a significant way forward in how our strategic road network is delivered and managed.

"Ensuring we have well maintained roads and motorways is essential to a modern transport system that will boost our economy, create jobs and give more choice about where we live and work whilst delivering billions in savings."

He concluded that the changes that are soon to be brought into force will represent the "biggest, boldest and most far-reaching" shift in transport network planning and delivery for decades.