Carriageways clear to cope with Bank Holiday traffic.

Road users are reminded that the Highways Agency has completed or suspended almost 80 per cent of roadworks on motorways and major A roads from 6am today (Thursday), leaving 99 per cent of its road network clear of works until the next Tuesday morning.

A total of 148 carriageway miles of roadworks have been completed and a further 44 carriageway miles suspended, meaning more lanes will be open and many speed restrictions lifted through the extended holiday period. More than 100 sets of roadworks have been completed or suspended and just 22 sets of roadworks remain in place for the safety of drivers and their passengers.

In addition, after non-stop work following the fire under a viaduct on the M1 north of London, three lanes are now open in both directions between junctions 1 and 4 of the M1 with a 50mph speed limit in force over the viaduct for safety reasons. There are no planned works on this section of the M1 for the forthcoming bank holiday periods.

Road users should note that there are likely to be further closures of this section of the M1 to enable permanent repair work to be undertaken. This work will be planned to minimise disruption as far as possible and advance warning will be given.