THE
£100m scheme has seen the A13 through the junction widened to four lanes in each direction, new dedicated link roads created and existing slip roads improved. Technology, drainage, safety barriers and lighting on the M25 have also been upgraded as part of the improvements.
The improved junction will help to facilitate billions of pounds of investment in the region, making journeys more reliable and significantly improving safety. And it is being opened to traffic in time for the busy Christmas period, helping drivers as they prepare for the festive season.
Lizzie Cooper, Highways England Project Manager said:
“Upgrading such a busy part of the network is a hugely complex task, and we have worked hard to bring it in ahead of our original schedule and on budget. I’d like to thank our partners in Essex for their support throughout construction, as well as drivers on the A13 and M25 for their patience as we delivered these vital improvements.
“Investing in infrastructure upgrades like this shows that Britain is open for business, and the vital road improvement that Highways England has successfully delivered here will keep drivers moving and help unlock the multi-billion pound regeneration of the Lower Thames Valley.”
A DP World Spokesperson added;
“This busy junction is an important piece of national infrastructure, strategically located to provide quick road access to key areas, including the UK’s new container port and what is fast becoming Europe’s largest supply chain hub, located in the Thames Estuary. We are delighted the Government has carried out this work, which gives confidence to global investors seeking a base in Essex and makes a real difference to journey time reliability for all road users.”
Mat Kiely, Sustainable Travel Manager (South) concluded:
“Completion of the A13/M25 congestion relief scheme will improve access and travel time to Intu Lakeside. The road improvements are very important to future growth, and development proposals at Intu Lakeside, and we welcome a free-flowing and less congested road network as we approach the key Christmas shopping period.”
With main construction on the project now complete, all daytime lane restrictions at the junction have been lifted over the last week. A half-mile section of the M25 between the Dartford Crossing and Stifford Road overbridge, just North of J30, will remain at 50mph while the technology upgrade is completed, with occasional overnight traffic restrictions. The improved A13 through the junction opened to traffic in early June.
Has anyone noticed how dangerous this part of the A13 has now become?
While sitting in the lane waiting to turn off for the Dartford crossing, people cant wait and drive down the inside lane to get to the front of the queue then slow down to a stop.
Causing people on the A13 to have to narrowly avoid these impatient people.
i think the ”improvements” have made things worse than they were before they started.