Highways Agency - Weekly summary of roadworks in M25 sphere
| Published: 7th July 2007 20:35 |
WEEKLY SUMMARY OF ROADWORKS IN
M25 SPHERE
The Eastbound exit slip and some lanes will be closed overnight from 10.00pm – 05.00am on Tuesday 3 July 07 – Wednesday 4 July to erect signs. A diversion will be fully signposted.
The Northbound slip road will be closed overnight from 10.00pm – 05.00am on Tuesday 3 July 07 – Wednesday 4 July 07 for cyclic maintenance. A diversion will be fully signposted.
M11 Junction 6a – M25 Anticlockwise
The Northbound slip road will be closed overnight from 10.00pm – 05.00am on Tuesday 3 July 07 – Sunday 8 July 07 for tunnel maintenance. A diversion will be fully signposted.
The Southbound slip road will be closed overnight from 10.00pm – 05.00am on Wednesday 4 July 07 – Thursday 5 July 07 for cyclic maintenance. A diversion will be fully signposted.
The Southbound slip road will be closed overnight from 10.00pm – 05.00am on Thursday 5 July 07 – Friday 6 July 07 for cyclic maintenance. A diversion will be fully signposted.
The Anticlockwise slip road and some lanes will be closed overnight from 10.00pm – 05.00am on Thursday 5 July 07 – Friday 6 July 07 for resurfacing. A diversion will be fully signposted.
M25 Junction 5
The anticlockwise slip road will be closed overnight from 10.00pm – 05.00am on Thursday 5 July 07 – Friday 6 July 07 for routine maintenance. A diversion will be fully signposted.
The clockwise entry slip and some lanes will be closed overnight from 10.00pm – 05.00am on Thursday 5 July 07 – Saturday 7 July 07 for resurfacing. A diversion will be fully signposted.
M25 Junction 23-24
The clockwise entry slip and some lanes will be closed overnight from 10.00pm – 05.00am on Monday 2 July 07 – Monday 9 July 07 for resurfacing. A diversion will be fully signposted.
M25 Junction 17-19
The clockwise slips and some lanes will be closed overnight from 10.00pm – 05.00am on Tuesday 3 July 07 – Thursday 5 July 07 for white lining. A diversion will be fully signposted.
M26 Junction 1-3
There will be a total eastbound closure overnight from 10.30pm – 05.30am on Saturday 30 June 07 – Saturday 09 June 07 for major maintenance scheme road marking. A diversion will be fully signposted.
M4 Junction 5
The Eastbound entry slip will be closed overnight from 10.00pm – 05.00am on Monday 2 July 07 – Saturday 7 July 07 for resurfacing. A diversion will be fully signposted.
M4 Junction 4 – M25
The eastbound slip road will be closed overnight from 10.00pm – 05.00am on Monday 2 July 07 – Saturday 7 July 07 for resurfacing. A diversion will be fully signposted.
M4 Junction 5
The Eastbound entry slip will be closed overnight from 10.00pm – 05.30am on Friday 6 July 07 – Saturday 7 July 07 for electrical works. A diversion will be fully signposted.
Ongoing Schemes
M25 Junction 19 New Road Layout
On 26th February 2007 we began a trial new road layout to try to reduce congestion on the M25 anticlockwise carriageway at junction 19.
The aim of the trial is to improve traffic flows and safety on the anticlockwise M25. Prior to the trial, two lanes of slip road traffic joined the three-lane motorway, causing severe disruption to traffic on the motorway. By reducing the slip road from two lanes to one, we anticipated that traffic joining the M25 would merge more easily and safely.
The effect of the revised layout on the M25 has been monitored and results show that the flow of traffic on the M25 from junction 22 to 19 has significantly improved.
Our analysis shows that the new layout would save approximately 100,000 hours of vehicle delay per year if the scheme were made permanent. This gives an economic benefit of £1 million per year.
During morning peak time, between 7am and 10am, an average of 11,678 vehicles travels along the motorway. Our results show that journeys on the motorway on the 1.5km stretch before junction 19 are now about 2.9 minutes quicker than before the new layout was put in place.
We recognise that local residents have concerns that the trial may have caused increased congestion on the local road network. Together with Hertfordshire County Council, we are working to evaluate this effect.
Following a meeting between ourselves and officers and elected members from Hertfordshire County Council, Watford Borough Council and Three Rivers District Council, it has been agreed that no decision on the future of the new layout will be made until further research on the impact to the local network has been completed. This will be carried out jointly by us and the county council.
A report will be produced and, following further discussions with Hertfordshire County Council, we will make an announcement in the summer about the future of the scheme. In the meantime, the new one-lane road layout at the junction will remain in place.
M25 Junction 12 New Road Layout
Starting on the 5 March 2007 we began carrying out a scheme to try and reduce congestion on the M25 at junction 12 and give road users a consistent and reliable journey time.
This scheme will provide an upgraded entry slip onto the M3 westbound. This will consist of two dedicated lanes for traffic joining from the M25 and a single lane for M3 westbound traffic.
Therefore, at the merge, the new layout will mean that the single lane of the M3 will be joined by two dedicated lanes from the M25. After this point, the M3 westbound will be restored to a three lane motorway.
Throughout the new layout a speed limit of 50 mph with average speed cameras will be in effect. On the M3 approach to the scheme, a vehicle activated sign will be erected to warn drivers of the 50 mph speed limit ahead should they be approaching too fast.
The effect of the revised layout on the M25 and the M3 will be observed and if it proves to have the benefits predicted for the scheme, the signs and traffic cones will be replaced with a permanent scheme. Results of the scheme will be announced shortly.
M25 Junction 28 to 27 Speed Advice – Better Information
Work started on Monday 5 March 2007 to harmonise speed limits on the M25 between junctions 28 and 27. The scheme involves deployment of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras for the purpose of monitoring traffic flows. This information will be used to set signals on roadside mobile message signs to harmonise speeds, to control congestion before it occurs. The system is built around SPECS technology, so is ‘enforcement ready’.
M4 between Junction 1 and 3 Improvements
Major maintenance works is required to repair deteriorating joints on the elevated section of the M4 between junctions 1 and 3.
Rain water collecting on the road surface has been leaking through to the joints and eroding the supports. Repair works are essential to maintain the safe condition of the M4 elevated section for many years to come.
Initial phases of the repair works began in February 2006 and were completed ahead of schedule on the 24 July 2006.
We started on the next phase of works on Monday 30th April 2007 until Mid June 2007.
Work will take place overnight between 22:30 and 05:30 Monday to Thursday to ensure minimal disruption.
During this time there will be a series of slip road closures on the M4 between junctions 1 and 3 in each direction on alternate nights. A fully signed diversion route will be in place.
M1 Junction 4 to 5 Repairs
Starting on 16th March we began work to improve the condition of the carriageway on the M1 between junctions 4 and 5.
The condition of the M1 between junctions 4 and 5 has deteriorated. The work is necessary to ensure it stays in a safe condition for many years to come.
The works are being carried out 24 hours a day 7 days a week to make sure it is completed in the shortest time possible with minimal inconvenience to you.
There are 3 lanes maintained in each direction of the M1 between junctions 4 and 5 at peak times. At off peak times the carriageway that is being worked on will be reduced to two lanes.
There may be occasional slip road closures although a fully signed diversion route will be in place at this time.
1. The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport. We manage, maintain and improve England’s motorways and major A roads on behalf of the Secretary of State.
2. Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available:
· From the web at www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo
· By phone from the Highways Agency 24-hour voice activated phone service on 08700 660 115. (Calls from BT landlines to 0870 numbers will cost no more than 8p per minute; mobile calls usually cost more).
Before using a mobile, find a safe place to park. Never stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency. Make sure it’s safe and legal before you call.
3. For more general information about the Highways Agency and its work, visit the Highways Agency website www.highways.gov.uk, or telephone the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 50 40 30 at any time. (Calls to 0845 numbers cost no more than 3p/min from BT residential landlines. Call charges from other landlines and mobile networks may vary)
Safe driving at roadworks
During 2006 two workers were killed and 19 seriously injured in the course of their work on Highways Agency roads.
For the safety of all road users and roadworkers, when you are approaching roadworks:
· Keep within the speed limit – it is there for your safety.
· Get into the correct lane in good time – don’t keep switching.
· Concentrate on the road ahead, not the roadworks.
· Be alert for works’ traffic leaving or entering roadworks.
· Keep a safe distance – there could be queues in front.
· Observe all signs – they are there to help you.
Issued by the Highways Agency South East Press Office.
