Roadworks on motorways and major roads lifted over Christmas and New Year

People travelling during this year’s festive holiday period are set to receive a helping hand as the Highways Agency plans to complete more than 500 miles of road works on England’s motorways and major A road thus week. A further 60 miles will be suspended between 23 December and 3 January.

In all, 118 sets of roadworks are due to be completed ahead of the Christmas and New Year holiday period. A further 19 sets of roadworks and lane restrictions are due to be removed by 06:00 on Friday 23 December and will not be put back before 00:01 on Tuesday 3 January. Lane restrictions or temporary speed limits will need to remain in place at 26 locations for the safety of drivers and their passengers.

Transport secretary Justine Greening said: "Christmas is one of the busiest times on our roads and that's why we will be completing or lifting road works wherever possible to help people get back to see their families and loved ones.

“More than 98 percent of the strategic road network will be road works free, meaning that more lanes will be open and many speed restrictions lifted.

"The Highways Agency is well prepared for winter, but experience from recent years shows that we must all play our part. I'd urge all drivers to make time for winter and visit the Highways Agency's website, where there are lots of tips to help keep winter journeys safe and trouble free."