National Highways pledge to remove M27, A3 and other major routes' roadworks in time for Christmas

If successful, this means nearly 98 per cent of motorways and major A-roads will be roadworks-free in time for those travelling to see loved ones or making other journeys for Christmas.  To help keep festive disruption to a minimum, the vast majority of roadworks will be removed from England’s motorway and major A-road network from 6am on Tuesday, December 20 until 12.01am on Tuesday, January 3. 

Roadworks completed in The News region include along the M27, M275, A27, Eastern Road and the A3.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: ‘Being stuck in traffic can take the joy out of travelling home over the festive period. Given the disruption expected from the transport unions’ strike action and cold weather, I’m pleased that we could act to remove these roadworks - reducing congestion and helping people with their important journeys this Christmas.’

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The government-owned company, which operates and maintains a 4,500-mile network of motorways and major A-roads, is also working to ensure that any industrial action will not affect road users’ experience over the Christmas and New Year period. Strikes will be staged by the PCS union within each National Highways region in December and early January.

National Highways says comprehensive plans are in place to minimise any potential disruption, such as sharing resources between control centres around the country to assist with call handling and the setting of signs and signals.

National Highways customer service director, Andrew Butterfield said:  ‘We don’t want roadworks to spoil Christmas so we’re doing everything we can to make journeys as smooth as possible; that’s why we’re keeping almost 98 per cent of the road network we manage free from roadworks.  We know from experience that peak travel times can vary in the run up to Christmas and so we’re encouraging drivers to check traffic conditions before heading out to help keep traffic flowing.  And we’re also asking motorists to be prepared before setting off. Almost half of breakdowns can be easily avoided if motorists carry out simple vehicle checks before their journeys.’

For more information visit nationalhighways.co.uk/breakdowns. National Highways has advice about traffic conditions on its website, Twitter feeds, and information line: 0300 123 5000.