HIGHWAYS AGENCY TO KEEP EASTER HOLIDAY TRAFFIC ON THE MOVE

25 Mar 2002 11:13 AM

The Highways Agency will be keeping as many lanes as possible open on England's motorway and trunk road network over the Easter bank holiday weekend. Wherever possible, road maintenance is being suspended to make life easier for travellers.

Work will be halted on many road works schemes around the country. Where restrictions such as lane closures have to be kept in place for safety reasons, the Agency is aiming to minimise disruption.

Tim Matthews, Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, said:

"The motorways and trunk roads are usually much busier than normal during bank holidays. The Highways Agency wants road users to have as easy and as comfortable a journey as possible, so we are trying to ensure lanes are open wherever possible. This links to our Business Plan target of keeping 98 per cent of lanes on the network available at all times and carrying out 90 per cent of all routine maintenance outside peak times."

Motorists can get up-to-the-minute advice about roadworks and travelling conditions on the motorway and trunk road network by telephoning the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 504030. Information is also available at
www.highways.gov.uk/laneclse/index.htm.

The Highways Agency offers the following advice to Easter holiday road travellers: Plan journeys well in advance. Check your route with the AA or RAC, and check the current travel conditions by contacting the Highways Agency Information Line. Before setting off on a long journey, make sure your vehicle is in good working order. While travelling, tune into the radio to keep up with the latest information on road conditions. Consider staggering your journey to avoid the busiest times if you can. Allow plenty of time to reach your destination and take regular breaks. If you feel tired pull of the road to a safe haven, for example a Motorway Service Area, take a break

Notes to Editors:

Information about roadwork schemes over the holiday period is attached. Most of these may have to be replaced very quickly after the break to allow work to continue to schedule. Road users need to be prepared for the return of traffic management and should approach roadworks with caution and take note of any signs or signals which may be in operation.

The Highways Agency Information Line phone number is 08457 504030. Over the Easter bank holiday weekend the information line will be open from 9am - 5pm everyday. This is in addition to its normal weekday opening hours of 8am until 8pm.

The Highways Agency is an Executive Agency of the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions, which manages, maintains and improves the network of trunk roads and motorways in England on behalf of the Secretary of State. It works closely with other transport operators and with local authorities to integrate the trunk road network with the rest of England's roads and other forms of travel.

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR EASTER 2002

NORTH EAST

A1 Northumberland- Between Willowburn and Denwick on the Alnwick bypass, some traffic management will be in place along with temporary speed restrictions.

A66(M) Darlington- On the Darlington Bypass, a contraflow system and restrictions will remain in place over the Easter period.

NORTH WEST

M6 Jct 18-20 Cheshire - Major resurfacing works commences on the evening of April 1st. Single lane running overnight.

M6 Jct 28-30 Lancashire- Traffic management and lane closures in place over some of this period although works will be lifted for the Easter weekend.

M53 Jct 1-3 Merseyside- There will be closures of the outside lane of the M53 for gantry works.

M61 Jct 5-6 Greater Manchester- At Wingates Bridge, traffic management and a 50mph speed restriction will be in place over the Easter period.

M62 Jct 7-9 Cheshire- Traffic management and a contraflow system will remain in place for major works at Burtonwood. Some delays are possible.

A66 Cumbria- Greta Bridge, Keswick. Due to resurfacing work, a contraflow is likely to be in place during the Easter period.

A627(M) Greater Manchester- Traffic management will remain in place at Terminal Roundabout, Edinburgh Way for the Easter period.

YORKSHIRE & THE HUMBER

M1 Jct 34-35 South Yorks- Lane restrictions will remain in force on the Tinsley Viaduct over the Easter period.

M62 Jct 31 West Yorks- Traffic management will remain in place for slip road construction works.

A64 York- At Top Lane, Copmanthorpe, major works continue with a contraflow system in use. Restrictions will be lifted for the Easter weekend.

EAST MIDLANDS

M1 Jct 25-26 Nottinghamshire- At Trowell Services there will be three lanes available in both directions, however, traffic management will remain in place. 50mph speed restrictions at all times.

A1 Lincs.- Long Bennington. Major maintenance work is ongoing until early May. A contraflow will be in place for the Easter period and some delays can be expected.

A6 Leics.- Great Glen Bypass. Contraflow will remain in place for the Easter period.

A628 Salters Brook Bridge - 24hr temporary traffic lights for safety reasons.

A16 Fotherby, Lincolnshire - Temporary traffic signals will remain in operation throughout the Easter period.

A57 East Markham Bridge, Notts. Full road closure with two way diversion on 23 and 24 March. 25 March to 5 April, Westbound traffic diverted via A6075 and B1164 during replacement of bridge bearing and upgrading of parapets. Full road closure with two way diversion via A6075 and B1164 on 6 and 7 April.

A43 Northants.- Between Towcester and the M40 (Jct 10). Construction of a dual carriageway will continue over the Easter weekend but restrictions will remain in place with a 40mph speed limit.

WEST MIDLANDS

M6 Jct 5-7- Major maintenance works continues between Jct 5 (Castle Bromwich) and Jct 7 (Great Barr). Narrow lanes, contraflow and mandatory 40mph speed restrictions.

A5 Staffs.- Gailey Railway Bridge. Traffic management will remain over the Easter period with one lane only open and two way traffic signals.

A46 Coventry- St Martins Lane Bridge and Coventry Road Bridge. Lane closures remain in place during Easter period.

M6 Toll - contraflow, hardshoulder running from M42 Jn 7A to Junction 9 (50mph speed limit) , plus minor works on M6 Jn 3-4 and M6 Jn 11 -12 (speed limit 50mph). Also diversion works around Churchbridge A5 (Jnc A34/A5). Speed limit of 40mph on A38 between Minworth and Bassetts Pole. Further details can be found on www.bnrr.co.uk

EAST ANGLIA

A11 Roudham to Attleborough - Minor traffic management and 40mph speed restrictions at all times

M11 Jct 6-7 Essex - Some delays are possible due to major resurfacing work.

M11 Jct 8 Essex- Restrictions due to slip road construction will remain in place during the Easter period. Contraflow and 40mph speed limit. Extra time should be allowed by drivers heading for Stansted Airport.

SOUTH EAST

M2 Jcts 1-4 Kent Long-term construction works

M20 Jcts 10-12 Kent Long-term construction works

M3 Jct 14 Hampshire - Chilworth, Southampton. Narrow lanes will remain in place during the Easter period.

M27 Jct 2-4 Hampshire - The major carriageway works will continue during the Easter period, with narrow lanes and a contraflow in operation.

SOUTH WEST

A38 Glynn Valley - Temporary traffic lights and traffic management will remain in place during the Easter period.

A39 Cornwall- Knightsmill. Temporary traffic lights will remain in place for the Easter period.

A40 Gloucs.- Golden Valley Bypass. Major resurfacing work will be suspended for the Easter weekend and all traffic management removed.

A380 Devon- Telegraph Hill. A mandatory 40mph limit will remain in place during the Easter period.

For more information, contact the Highways Agency Press Office on 0207 921 4179. Out of hours please telephone: 0207 921 4443.