Highways England has announced that M25 junction upgrade works have been completed and it is now open for traffic meeting the A13 in Essex.

As part of the £100m scheme, the upgrade programme includes widening the junction to four lanes in each direction, creating new dedicated link roads and existing slip roads being improved.

Additionally, as part of the road improvement programme, new safety barriers, lighting, technology and drain facilities have been upgraded on the M25.

"The road improvements are very important to future growth, and development proposals at Intu Lakeside, and we welcome a free-flowing and less congested road network as we approach the key Christmas shopping period."

Highways England Project Manager Lizzie Cooper said: “Upgrading such a busy part of the network is a hugely complex task, and we have worked hard to bring it in ahead of our original schedule and on budget.

“I’d like to thank our partners in Essex for their support throughout construction, as well as drivers on the A13 and M25 for their patience as we delivered these vital improvements.

“Investing in infrastructure upgrades like this shows that Britain is open for business, and the vital road improvement that Highways England has successfully delivered here will keep drivers moving and help unlock the multi-billion pound regeneration of the Lower Thames Valley.”

The upgrade work is expected to facilitate billions of pounds worth of investment in the region, with journeys becoming safer.

Sustainable Travel Manager (South) Mat Kiely said: “Completion of the A13 / M25 congestion relief scheme will improve access and travel time to Intu Lakeside.

“The road improvements are very important to future growth, and development proposals at Intu Lakeside, and we welcome a free-flowing and less congested road network as we approach the key Christmas shopping period."

With the technology upgrade  now complete, a half-mile section of the M25 between the Dartford Crossing and Stifford Road overbridge, just North of J30, will remain at 50mph.

The improved A13 through the junction opened to traffic in early June next year.