Driving home for Christmas made easier as Highways England lift roadworks

Highways England aims to complete a lift of almost 400 miles of roadworks by 6am Wednesday 23^rd of December.

Highways England aims to complete 273 miles of roadworks at 105 locations before the holidays, lifting 148 schemes by 6am on Wednesday 23 December. A further 43 sets of roadworks and lane restrictions will be removed across 128 miles of carriageway. This will leave 98% of its 9,534-mile network free of roadworks in time for the holidays.

The clearing of roadworks will benefit motorists over the Christmas period, as millions of families will be travelling by car to visit loved ones, and with the large reduction of the roadworks, people will be able to travel around freely.

Roadworks will be cleared across the majority of motorways and major A-roads in England. The lifts will leave more lanes open along with the lifting of many of the associated speed restrictions.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “We are on the side of the honest motorist, making it easier for people to get around, as well as creating jobs and opportunities.

“It’s impossible to improve roads without some element of engineering work, but I also know how frustrating they can be. We are determined to apply common sense to our roads so we can minimise disruption.”

Drivers are advised to make the best of their festive journeys, by keeping up to date with weather and travel conditions and planning longer journeys ahead of time.

Highways England Director of Customer Operations, Melanie Clarke, said: “It’s also worth packing an emergency winter kit in your boot, before making any seasonal journeys this Christmas. Make sure you’ve got de-icer, an ice-scraper, warm clothes, boots and a torch, in case your vehicle breaks down.”

Around 196 miles of roadworks will still be in place, compared to 268 last year.

The roadworks will return after midnight on Saturday 2^nd of January.

 

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