road

UK Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has announced three major motorway projects on the M1 and M3, aimed at reducing congestion.

The move forms a part of a £24bn investment plan announced by the UK Government to invest in the road network by 2021.

Work will now begin on smart motorways and overhead variable message signs on a number of junctions on the M1 and the M3.

The M1 schemes will be in service from late 2015 and the M3 scheme is expected to open in 2016.

"Smart motorways are an effective and cost-efficient way of increasing space on our roads, cutting jams and speeding up journey times."

These schemes will boost capacity by a third and improve journey times by up to 10% and 15% on the M1 and M3 respectively, where average speeds are currently 45mph during peak hours.

However, the national speed limit on these sections will remain at 70mph.

Secretary McLoughlin said: "I want all motorways to run at 70mph. While it sometimes makes sense to use variable limits to keep people moving, blanket reductions are not acceptable.

"Smart motorways are an effective and cost-efficient way of increasing space on our roads, cutting jams and speeding up journey times."

Image: Construction to start on the M1 and M3 as part of three major schemes to cut road congestion. Photo: courtesy of UK DfT.