Road works to be removed over Christmas

Long distance journeys might be eased this year

By PH Staff / Thursday, 16 December 2004 / Loading comments

Picture Courtesy of www.speedlimit.org.uk

Roadworks are being removed from England's motorways and trunk roads - wherever it is safe to do so - to make journeys easier for travellers this Christmas.

Wherever possible, roadworks and lane restrictions will be removed between Christmas Eve and Tuesday 04 January 2005. The Highways Agency will remove major roadworks from at least 15 significant locations on the motorway and trunk road network in England.

With some people making long journeys to see relatives and friends, motorists are encouraged to plan their routes, check weather conditions and allow extra time to complete their trips safely.

Where it is unsafe or not practical to remove roadworks, lane restrictions will remain. The Highways Agency will aim to keep disruption to a minimum. The Agency is using its large motorway message signs at strategic points on the network to promote safe driving and provide information about traffic conditions.

Examples:

At the M4 / M5 Almondsbury junction, work is complete and all restrictions have now been removed.
At M6 Junction 6 (Spaghetti junction), all slip roads have now been reopened in time for Christmas shopping in Birmingham.
On the northbound Thelwall viaduct, the last few bearings are now being installed and it will be fully reopened on 20 December, four months ahead of schedule. This is welcome news to the 160,000 motorists who use the M6 every day.

Agency boss Archie Robertson said, "The roads are always busy at Christmas time so we have reviewed our road works programme. We have lifted all restrictions except where there are safety concerns or where taking off restrictions would have a worse, detrimental effect on traffic in the long term. It is most important that motorists should drive safely as accidents can cause injury and significant disruption. Safety must be everyone's top priority. We must all drive carefully, especially over this period.

"It is also important that motorists drive safely in the winter weather, and remember to take regular breaks on long journeys. Any accidents will not only affect those involved, but will also contribute to congestion at a time when so many people want to travel by road.

"Where accidents occur, our contractors and traffic officers will be working with the Police and the emergency services to clear up and ensure lanes are re-opened as quickly as possible.

"Drivers can help themselves by making sure they and their vehicles are prepared, planning their route and checking weather forecasts and travel news for possible delays before and during their journey," said Mr Robertson.

More information about roadworks and road conditions on the motorways and trunk roads in England is available from the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 504030, and here: www.highways.gsi.gov.uk