National Highways is freezing 1,127 miles of roadworks over the Easter bank holiday to help avoid lengthy traffic jams on key routes.
The move comes as the AA estimates that 19.1 million drivers will hit the roads on Good Friday this year.
Announcing the strategy today (16 April), DfT said that around 97.5% of major roads across England will be completely free from roadworks.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, added: “Cutting journey times and saving drivers money every year is all part of our Plan for Change to raise living standards and put more money in people’s pockets.
“We are tackling the real problems that drivers face by lifting 1,127 miles of roadworks over Easter and cracking down on disruptive streetworks to make journeys to see loved ones as smooth as possible.”
Significant routes to benefit from roadworks being lifted or completed in time for the Easter getaway include:
- Over 130 miles of roadworks on the M25
- More than 100 miles on the M1 between London and Chesterfield
- More than 70 miles on the A27 between Polegate, East Sussex and Havant, Hampshire
- 49 miles on the A34 between Oxford and Winchester
- Almost 50 miles on the M27 between Southampton and Portsmouth
- Over 45 miles on the M4 between Hayes and Hungerford
- 44 miles on the M2 between Rochester and Faversham
- 37 miles on the A303 near Andover
- 31 miles on the A47 between Great Yarmouth and Peterborough
Andrew Butterfield, National Highways director of operational services, said: “We expect the roads to be busy with people looking to make the most of a long Easter weekend. That’s why we are making journeys easier by removing a huge number of roadworks.
He warned: “Drivers should also take time to plan ahead. Two of the top three causes of breakdowns are tyre issues and empty fuel tanks. You can help prevent any breakdowns by following our advice: top up your fuel, oil and screenwash, plan your journey, check your tyres and prepare for all weather conditions.”
AA President, Edmund King, welcomed the satrategy. He said: “Bank holiday weekends tend to remind us of the importance of having a good road network without roadwork delays or plagues of potholes.
“Hence, we very much welcome the lifting of roadworks as record numbers hit the roads this weekend and the government’s efforts to address the pothole pandemic and reduce disruptive streetworks.”
RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson added: “With a hat-trick of hold-ups expected on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the lifting of roadworks should help ease journeys to popular destinations like the West Country, the south coast and East Anglia.”
