By Eric White
THURROCK drivers have some positive news about travel this weekend Highways England have announced roadworks are to be removed from tomorrow on motorways and major A roads for the bank holiday period.
Roadworks being removed include the A282 DRC East Tunnel, near Dartford and M25 between junction 29-30 near Romford, which has seen many recent traffic problems.
The junction mentioned above on the M25 amounts to 2.5 miles of roadworks while the East Tunnel refers to 1 mile.
Roads Minister Andrew Jones said:
“We are delivering the biggest improvement to roads since the 1970s to improve journeys for drivers in the busiest periods and to create new capacity.
“We do not want work to stand in the way of families during their bank holiday getaway, so I am pleased roadworks are being removed at so many locations.”
In total nearly 600 miles of roadworks will be removed by the authority for the holiday period.
Highways England Director of Operations, Mike Wilson, said: “As a parent, I know all too well how challenging a long journey with young children especially can be, so we’re keen to do what we can do to help families enjoy the late spring break.
“We’ve worked closely with other transport providers to ensure our network can cope with increased demand.
“Of course, we still advise drivers to plan their journeys, check the latest traffic and travel updates, and the weather forecast, before setting out.”
People travelling with caravans and trailers are also urged to check their vehicles before they take to the roads for the first time this year – especially their tyres, to ensure they are not worn or damaged – to help avoid a potential breakdown or incident and help keep traffic flowing.
Highways England will complete 405 miles of roadworks at 136 locations before the bank holiday.
A further 52 sets of roadworks and lane restrictions will be removed across 184 miles of carriageway by 6am on Friday 27 May, until just after midnight on Tuesday 31 May.
By suspending or completing roadworks, more lanes will be open and many of the associated speed restrictions will be lifted.
During the holidays, people may travel further and on unfamiliar roads. For advice about driving on smart motorways, visit www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-drive-on-a-smart-motorway.
Drivers planning to use the Dartford Crossing are reminded to pay Dart Charge in advance or by midnight the day after crossing.
Drivers can get the latest travel information from www.trafficengland.com
