Millions of drivers are set to benefit from new improvements that have been made to the popular M25 motorway to ease concerns over congestion.
National Highways has confirmed the completion of a major upgrade to the M25 and A3 as part of its latest flagship project.
The transport authority stated that the measures would reduce congestion, improve safety, and boost economic growth on the busy motorway.
Work has been done to widen the roundabout at Junction 10 in Surrey, allowing increased capacity for traffic coming on and off the M25.
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It has also led to the introduction of a fourth lane on the A3 between J10 and the adjacent junctions at Painshill and Ockham Park.
Junction 10 is a crucial route between Heathrow and Gatwick, with it being described as a “crucial strategic route” for both holidaymakers and businesses.
Thousands of drivers travel to both airports every day, with this expected to rise further in the coming years after Gatwick was approved to develop a second runway.
The school holidays mark the first summer getaway where the stretch of the M25 will operate at the national speed limit of 70mph.
The full range of improvements applies to both sets of carriageways, with the speed limit being restored late last year.
Nicola Bell, National Highways chief delivery officer, said: “The M25 is the heartbeat of the UK economy and offers a gateway to connect millions to airports, domestic holiday destinations and world-class entertainment this summer.
“Our Junction 10 upgrade has been a unique feat of engineering and involved us successfully managing a series of unprecedented full weekend closures of the M25.”
Ms Bell also pointed to the advantages of the scheme to support thousands of new homes and local jobs, in addition to the traffic benefits.
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Improvements to the A3 will also contribute greatly to smooth journeys for motorists heading to Sandown Park and Epsom Downs racecourses.
National Highways worked with local businesses and companies to ensure disruption on the busy route was kept to a minimum.
Key partners included large corporations from the business, logistics and freight sectors to enable the flow of goods and services.
Sophie Chapman, surface access director at Heathrow Airport, said: “As the world’s most connected hub and the UK’s largest port by value, Heathrow relies on strong, resilient transport links to connect people and UK businesses with markets across Britain and around the world.
“The improvements to Junction 10 are a significant upgrade for one of the airport’s key transport links and one of the UK’s most important road corridors.
“Having worked closely with National Highways on transport and infrastructure issues over many years, we welcome the delivery of these improvements ahead of the busy summer travel period.”
This was echoed by David Boot, director of external affairs at the Road Haulage Association, who said it was “positive news” for the sector.
“With over 80 per cent of Britain’s goods moved by road, a safe, resilient and fit-for-purpose network is essential to our industry and to wider economic growth,” Mr Boot said.
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