More than 1,000 miles of roadworks across England will be lifted to ease Easter travel, the Department for Transport announced today.
National Highways will remove roadworks from 1,127 miles of motorways and major A roads by 6am tomorrow, which would come just in time as millions of drivers get ready to hit the road.
The changes mean that 97.5 per cent of the country's major road network will be completely free of traffic cones over the Bank Holiday weekend.
The roadworks will not be reinstated until after Easter Monday, allowing millions of drivers to enjoy smoother journeys during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
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97.5 per cent of roads will be clear of roadworks during the Bank Holiday
GETTY
Significant routes benefiting from the roadworks removal include over 130 miles on the M25 and more than 100 miles on the M1 between London and Chesterfield.
More than 70 miles will also be cleared on the A27 between Polegate and Havant, while 49 miles will be lifted on the A34 between Oxford and Winchester.
The M27 between Southampton and Portsmouth will see almost 50 miles of roadworks removed. Other key routes include over 45 miles on the M4 between Hayes and Hungerford, 44 miles on the M2, and 37 miles on the A303 near Andover.
However, despite the roadworks being cleared, motorists have been advised to prepare for congestion around town and city centres, retail parks, and major routes during the Easter getaway.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "Cutting journey times and saving drivers money every year is all part of our Plan for Change to raise living standards and put more money in people's pockets.
“We are tackling the real problems that drivers face by lifting 1,127 miles of roadworks over Easter and cracking down on disruptive streetworks to make journeys to see loved ones as smooth as possible."
She added that the measures will also help drivers up to £500 a year, with councils soon to receive £1.6billion in pothole funding and the continued freeze on Fuel Duty.
The RAC has previously reported that repair costs can be up to £460 if a vehicle needs to go to a garage after hitting a pothole.
The pothole funding for local councils is expected to fill approximately seven million extra potholes across the country.
This investment goes "far above and beyond the Government's manifesto commitment," according to the Department for Transport.
Additionally, the Treasury has estimated that freezing Fuel Duty and maintaining the 5p-per-litre cut will save the average car driver £59 during this financial year. Combined, these measures aim to save drivers up to £500 annually.
National Highways director of operational services, Andrew Butterfield said: "We expect the roads to be busy with people looking to make the most of a long Easter weekend. That's why we are making journeys easier by removing a huge number of roadworks."
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More than 1,000 miles of roadworks will be removed during the Easter break
GETTYHe advised drivers to plan ahead, noting that tyre issues and empty fuel tanks would be among the top causes of breakdowns.
"You can help prevent any breakdowns by following our advice: top up your fuel, oil and screenwash, plan your journey, check your tyres and prepare for all weather conditions," Butterfield added.
