UP TO £411million will be spent turning the Hertfordshire and Essex stretch of the M25 into a four lane motorway.
The Highways Agency plans to convert the hard shoulder to a fourth lane on the 15 mile stretch of motorway between junction 23, where the M25 meets the A1(M), to junction 27, for the M11.
Work on the scheme, known as a ‘managed motorway’ could begin as early as Spring 2013, and will take two years to complete.
John Martin, project manager for the Highways Agency, said: “We’ve used our successful experience of operating managed motorways in the West Midlands to produce an updated design which would see the hard shoulder permanently converted to a running lane, with fewer overhead structures such as gantries.
“This evolution in the design of schemes, which start main construction from 2013, will provide the additional capacity required, without compromising overall safety.
“A managed motorway will provide much needed additional capacity on this vital section of the national transport network – easing congestion and making journey times more reliable for the 120,000 road users, including hauliers and commuters, who depend on this section of the M25 each day.”
Announcement of the plans comes after the completion of widening work between junctions 16 and 23 and junctions 27 and 30 in June this year.
The stretch of the motorway provides a vital artery to many businesses and commuters in Essex and Hertfordshire.
Footware distribution company London Rebel, based in Lea Road, Waltham Abbey, relies on the motorway to bring in and deliver products.
Gavin Dhallu, head of operations and finance for the firm, thinks the work will benefit business in the area.
He said: “I think it’s a great idea.
“Since other sections of the motorway have been widened traffic has cleared up quite a lot.
“I don’t think the work itself will have a major impact on us.”
Mr Dhallu was surprised the Highways Agency had not been more proactive in seeking the views of local companies over the plans, and only heard about the scheme after the Mercury contacted him.
He said: “Considering we are one of a number of businesses around here I presume not many others have heard about it either.”
For more information about the M25 J23 to J27 managed motorway scheme write to the Highways Agency, Federation House, London Road, Dorking, RH4 1SZ, email m25junction23to27mm@highways.gsi.gov.uk or call the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.
