Road improvements to help congestion in the East of England
Now that the roads are becoming busier again, it’s becoming clear where the points of sever congestion are. Across the road network in the East of England, there are several areas where road network improvements will help to ease congestion and improve journey times. Now, Highways England has announced a £114m package to improve the network over the coming year.
What work will be done?
The package covers a range of improvements, from upgrading the River Granta bridge on the M11 to resurfacing and replacing road markings and studs at Junction 32 of the A14. In addition, Highways England will be installing or upgrading more than 80 road signs, improve 17 junctions, and make 2.7 miles of cycle lane improvements.
Highways England’s regional director for the East of England, Martin Fellows, said: “Keeping our roads in good condition is essential for safety and in ensuring the reliability of journeys for drivers. This multi-million-pound investment will help keep journeys on our motorways and A roads flowing and reduce the risk of unplanned, disruptive maintenance.”
Increasing roadwork speed limits
Additionally, Highways England has issued guidance on increasing the speed limit through certain roadworks from 50mph to 60mph. This increase could have a significant impact on overall journey times, especially on motorway and A-road upgrades where there are several miles of roadworks with a 50mph speed limit.
The limits will only be raised to 60mph where it is safe for both drivers and roadworkers. An exercise carried out across eight road schemes saw drivers save more than 3,700 hours of travel time in total each day. It also revealed that more drivers stayed within the 60mph speed limit than did at 50mph.
“All of our research shows that road users benefit from 60mph limits in roadworks. They have shorter journey times and feel safe,” says Jim O’Sullivan, Highways England chief executive. “Road users understand that roadworks are necessary, but they are frustrated by them. So testing 60mph has been about challenging the norm while ensuring the safety of our people working out there and those using our roads. We have a huge programme of work planned, so being able to use 60mph where safe will continue to improve everybody’s experience of our roads.”
To talk to us about journey time surveys or traffic surveys in your area, contact Road Data Services today. We can collect accurate data to help with development planning, road improvements and traffic safety issues.
