‘Allow extra time’: Major delays expected across the UK this month for smart motorway work

In December, National Highways were working around the clock to remove more than 900 miles of roadworks ahead of the festive period. This meant that almost 98 percent of motorways and major A roads were cleared of roadworks before a rush of cars.

Melanie Clarke, National Highways Customer Service Director, said: “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.”

The RAC predicted that around 27 million car trips would be made between December 17 and Christmas Eve, with almost four million leisure trips per day.

January is set to see multiple road closures and delays on major network routes which could see motorists being delayed or having to make longer journeys.

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M4 – Berkshire

Drivers on the M4 will see closures every weekend in January, generally from 8pm on a Friday night until 6am on a Monday morning.

This is for the development of smart motorway works along the M4 which will see variable speed limits put in place as well as emergency stopping spaces approximately every 1.3 miles, once it has been completed.

The roadworks are part of a £848million project by National Highways (formerly Highways England) to convert the M4 into four running lanes.

A31 – Surrey to Dorset

Drivers can expect long delays on both roads with delays until December 2022 on the eastbound and closures on the westbound until October 2023.

Narrow lanes, contraflow, slip road and lane closures can all be expected for the A31 Widening Major Project.

The westbound entry slip will remain closed until the improvements are finished in November 2022.