Highways England
The investment aims to provide road users in the South East with safer, quicker and easier journeys. Credit: Rico S / Pixabay.

UK transport authority Highways England is investing £142m ($197m) to improve motorways and major A roads in the South East of England.

The investment will be used for resurfacing roads, replacing bridge joints, creating cycle lanes, improving road signs and landscaping across the M25, M27, M3, M4, A27 and A2.

These schemes will be implemented across the Home Counties, south coast and the M25 over the next 12 months.

Highways England South East regional director Nicola Bell said: “Keeping our roads in good condition is essential for the safety and journey reliability of 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.

“Over the next 12 months, we’ll be working hard to ensure drivers across the South East enjoy a smoother experience while travelling on our roads.”

Roads Minister Baroness Vere said: “This government is committed to improving our transport infrastructure, and this multi-million-pound investment is a real reflection of that commitment.

“The funding will ensure motorists and road-users across the South East will enjoy safer and better journeys, whilst boosting local economies as we continue to build back better from the pandemic.”

Highways England is also planning small-scale enhancements and maintenance schemes in Surrey and Hampshire, as well as on the M25.

These include improvements to the A30 Crooked Billet junction at Staines-upon-Thames, where works are currently underway to improve journey times with localised widening and improved traffic signals.

Works to close the existing pedestrian subway at the junction and replace it with an overground shared cycle and footway will start soon.

Earlier this month, Highways England drafted updated guidance for the Highway Code, which sets out how motorists in the UK are expected to conduct themselves.

The updated guidance is intended to help drivers understand how motorways and high-speed roads operate.