MEASURES are being taken to prevent tailbacks after accidents on one of the busiest motorways in the country
Three new gates are being installed on the notoriously busy M25, with one of those gates being fitted between junction 24, at Potters Bar, and junction 25.
The new gates being installed in the central reservation are designed to release traffic that has built up after a major accident by releasing them on to the other carriageway.
The idea will also give emergency services easier access.
The junction between Potters Bar and Enfield was chosen along with two other locations, between junctions 8 and 9 near Reigate, Surrey, as there is a long distance between junctions which could result in many motorists being held up in long jams.
Highways Agency project leader Peter Rix said: “Even with one of the safest road networks in the world, it is an unfortunate fact that major incidents do occur from time to time and, when they do, minimising their impact on drivers is a responsibility we take seriously.
“We work hard to keep traffic flowing during incidents, both by managing traffic as safely and efficiently as possible, and by giving people useful information to help them make choices about their journeys.
“However, some drivers are unlucky enough to get caught behind incidents just after they have happened and that causes a whole range of challenges for us in terms of traffic management and driver and passenger welfare.
“These new gates will give us one more tool in our battle against congestion and driver delays.”
Work is already under way on the installation of the gates and is expected to be finished at the end of March, with no road closures.