The Agency, which is responsible for motorways and other strategic roads in England, is working to balance its responsibility to develop and operate the strategic road network effectively, with its responsibilities to protect the environment and support economic growth.

Dean Kerwick-Chrisp, Head of Sustainability, Equality and Diversity at the Highways Agency, said:

“Operating and improving our strategic road network more effectively lies at the heart of greater sustainability. We recognise we have a key role to play in supporting economic recovery as these roads carry a third of all vehicle traffic and two thirds of all freight journeys in England and they are an integral part of our national way of life, providing links for communities and businesses and contributing to national wellbeing.

“It is important that we understand and limit the impacts that these roads can have on communities and the environment. Our Sustainable Development Plans sets out how we want to work together with our suppliers and others to ensure the impact of the roads we are responsible for is kept as low as possible while we deliver sustainable economic growth, improve quality of life for communities and protect our natural environment now and for future generations.”

The Agency’s Sustainable Development Plan seeks to make sustainable development central to the way the Agency and its partners operate. For example, an innovative waste and materials procurement strategy developed on the M25 widening scheme between junctions 16 and 23 resulted in over £15 million pounds being saved by recycling over 70% of waste produced on site and finding new uses for imported waste materials.

The Agency has a proven track record in delivering solutions to support a sustainable future, such as our energy efficiency strategy which has seen lights switched off or removed along stretches of motorway where, according to standards revised in 2007, they are no longer required and where removal or switching-off does not affect safety. On the lengths of motorway where midnight to 5am switch-off has been implemented the Agency has reduced its annual electricity consumption by approximately 3,300,000 kwh, equivalent to annual carbon dioxide equivalent savings of around 1800 tonnes CO2e.

The improvements which are due to start on Monday 23 January will include replacing two parapets and repairing the concrete structure at Hill House Viaduct between Junction 49 and 50.

The £700,000 project, to be completed by the end of March 2012, also involves building a new inspection platform under the bridge and installation of a new system to help monitor the bearings in the structure.

Highways Agency project manager, Brian Pitkin, said: "This scheme will ensure the safety and long term future of Hill House Viaduct.

"The work will affect the A14 near Stowmarket and will mostly take place during the daytime, although some of it will require carriageway road closures, and so that will be done overnight, between 8pm and 6am, when traffic flows are lowest, to minimise disruption."

"During the work, a 24 hour 50mph speed limit will be in place in both directions, enforced by average speed cameras and there will be narrow lanes in both directions. I would like to remind drivers to observe the speed limit though the work for their own safety and to adhere to the speed limit on the diversion route."

The exact dates of the overnight road closures will be publicised in advance. A clearly signed diversion will be in place during these night closures diverting traffic via the A1120 and A1308.

A38 Plympton to Ivybridge: Eastbound convoy working 2000 – 0500 hrs for resurfacing works (16-18 Jan)

A38 Weston Mill to Manadon, Plymouth: Eastbound lane closure 1930 – 0400 hrs for tree works (18-21 Jan)

A30 Between Fingle Glen & Woodleigh, west of Exeter: Westbound convoy working 2000 – 0600 hrs for resurfacing (18-21 Jan)

A38 White Lodge in the Glynn Valley, east of Bodmin: Narrow lanes & 30 mph speed restriction for safety (16 Dec 2011 – 13 Feb 2012)

A38 Glynn Lodge, nr Bodmin Parkway Station: Traffic signals 0930 – 1530 hrs Monday to Friday for drainage works (9 Jan – 10 Feb)

A38 Latchbrook, nr Saltash: Traffic signals 2000 – 0400 hrs for electrical works (16-17 Jan)

A38 Island Shop, Liskeard: Lane closures on westbound exit & entry slip roads 2000 – 0400 hrs for electrical works (19-20 Jan)

A38 Island Shop, Liskeard: Lane closures on eastbound exit & entry slip roads 2000 – 0400 hrs for electrical works (19-20 Jan)

A38 Saltash: Lane closure on westbound exit slip road 2000 – 0400 hrs for electrical works (20-21 Jan)

A38 Saltash: Lane closure on eastbound exit slip road 2000 – 0400 hrs for electrical works (20-21 Jan)

A30 Treswithian, west of Redruth: Lane closures on eastbound exit and entry slip roads 2000 – 0400 hrs for electrical works (17-18 Jan)

A30 Treswithian, west of Redruth: Lane closures on westbound exit and entry slip roads 2000 – 0400 hrs for electrical works (17-18 Jan)

M5 J29 EXETER: The M5 northbound entry slip at Junction 29 will be closed overnight on Friday 13 January, Monday 16 January, and Tuesday 17 January. The signed diversion for M5 northbound traffic will be from Moor Lane roundabout, then via Moor Lane (Sowton Industrial Estate), Moto Roundabout and Sidmouth Road to M5 Junction 30 (Sandygate). From Junction 30, traffic travels north on M5 to return to J29.

The M5 southbound entry slip will be closed overnight from Wednesday 18 December to Friday 20 January. The diversion for M5 southbound traffic will be to continue along A30 / A3015 to Moor Lane roundabout, then via Moor Lane (Sowton Industrial Estate), Moto Roundabout and Sidmouth Road to M5 Junction 30 Sandygate.

This involves some major changes to the roundabout, and phased closures over seven weeks of the four local roads where they join the roundabout. For the first two weeks, two roads will be closed at the roundabout, then for three weeks all four roads will be closed, then for the final two weeks the remaining two roads will be closed. All closures will be 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Highways Agency has succeeded in reducing the planned length of the closures, and signed diversion routes will be in place.

Robert MacKenzie, Highways Agency project manager, said:

“We have been making good progress with our scheme to reduce congestion, both for the A31 and local roads, and make this junction safer. From 2 February we will start a phase involving work such as diverting a major sewer, and bringing the level of the existing road around the roundabout into line with the new dual carriageway section through the middle of the island. For safety reasons, and because of the deep trenches which we will be digging, we will need to close local roads at the roundabout.

“We have planned the work carefully to minimise overall disruption as far as possible and after detailed talks with our contractors have succeeded in reducing the overall period of the closures from an original 12 to, weather permitting, seven weeks. Also, we have phased most of the closures to follow each other, but for three weeks all four roads will be affected where they meet the roundabout.

“Local businesses around Canford Bottom will remain open during the work, and two local councils are planning to take advantage of our road closures to carry out work they have planned to help the local community. We understand the closures will cause a certain amount of inconvenience and are grateful for the patience of road users and the local community.”

The closures start on Thursday 02 February 2012, and until 16 February Ham Lane and Wimborne Road West (Ferndown side) will be closed at the roundabout.

All four local roads, Wimborne Road West (both Ferndown and Wimborne sides), Ham Lane and Canford Bottom Road, will be closed at the roundabout between Friday 17 February 2012 and Thursday 08 March 2012.

There will then be two weeks between 9 and 23 March when Canford Bottom Road and Wimborne Road West (Wimborne side) will be closed at the roundabout.

There will be occasional overnight closures of the A31 between the Merley and Ameysford roundabouts, for carriageway work to take place. These will be between 8.30pm and 6am, Monday to Thursday nights and between 11pm and 6am on Friday nights; these will be publicised in advance. The A31 will remain open during the day.

During all closures on the local roads and the overnight closures of the A31, there will be clearly signed diversion routes in place, all agreed with the local authorities.

Also during the 24 hour closures of the four local roads, the bus stops closest to the roundabout will not be available and the Wilts & Dorset services will be re-routed on a diversion. There will be a clearly marked route around the roundabout for cyclists and pedestrians.

During the closures Ferndown Town Council plans to refurbish a bus shelter on Wimborne Road West (Ferndown side), and Dorset County Council plans to put in a new cycleway in Ham Lane.

Work on the scheme began in October and is due to be complete in June 2012. The introduction of traffic signals and the creation of a section of dual carriageway through the roundabout will maximise capacity and improve traffic flow at the junction.

Work is being carried out between Monday and Friday and is expected to take around 34 weeks to complete. To ensure any disruption is kept to an absolute minimum, most work will be carried out overnight, although some work will be carried out during the day as well. There are narrow lanes across the junction, with a 30mph speed limit in place.

A34 Winchester to Litchfield Vegetation
Tree management work will continue this week at various locations along the A34 between Winchester and Litchfield. Trees identified during earlier routine maintenance inspections as showing signs of disease or structural damage will be removed.

Work started on Tuesday 3 January for around four weeks and will mainly be carried out overnight between 8.30pm and 5.30am using temporary lane closures. Some activities may be carried out during the day, where it is safe to do so without restrictions on the A34.

A34 Dunley Turn Interchange (near Litchfield)
Bridge Repairs Safety improvement work will start on Monday 16 January, to replace the bridge joints on the A34 Dunley Turn Interchange Bridge near Litchfield. The joints are reaching the end of their serviceable life and need to be replaced.

Work is scheduled to take five days (between 9am and 5pm) to complete, and will be undertaken using a lane closure and temporary traffic lights on the local road which crosses over the A34. There will be no restrictions on the main A34 carriageway.

A34 Burghclere Interchange Bridge Repairs
Safety improvement work will start on Monday 16 January, to replace the bridge joints on the A34 Burghclere Interchange Bridge. The joints are reaching the end of their serviceable life and need to be replaced.

Work is scheduled to take five days (between 9am and 5pm) to complete, and will be undertaken using a lane closure and temporary traffic lights on the local road which crosses over the A34. There will be no restrictions on the main A34 carriageway.

A34 Portway Bridge Maintenance
Essential maintenance work will take place to replace the joints of the Portway Bridge on the A34 near Harwell. Work is scheduled to start on Monday 16 January, for approximately five days, and will be undertaken during off-peak day time hours (9am to 5pm). There will be no traffic management restrictions on the main A34 carriageway, however there will be a lane closure with temporary traffic lights on the A417 bridge.

A34 Barton Carrier (Kings Worthy)
Bridge Joint Replacement Scheme Safety improvement work will start this week to replace the bridge joints on the A34 Barton Carrier Bridge (west), which carries the A34 northbound carriageway over the River Itchen near Kings Worthy. These joints allow for the movement of the bridge deck in response to changes in traffic flows and temperature.

Work is scheduled to start on Monday 16 January for nine nights (Mon-Fri only), and will be carried out between 10pm and 6am. During these hours there will be a full carriageway closure of either the A33 or A34 northbound link-roads, as follows:

• Monday 16 January for one night and Monday 23 January for three nights: Full closure of the A33 Winchester By-pass from its divide with the A34 to the B3047 London Road;
• Tuesday 17 January for four nights: Full closure of the A34 northbound carriageway between A33 Winchester Bypass and Three Maids Hill.

During these closures a clearly signed diversion route will be in place.

A34 Kings Worthy Vegetation Management
Essential vegetation management work will take place along the central reservation of the A34 at Kings Worthy, to improve visibility of the highway and signing for road users, and to improve structure of the plot for the benefit of wildlife. Work will involve tree felling and thinning of the vegetation in the wide plot of land between the northbound and southbound carriageways just north of M3 Junction 9 roundabout.

This work is scheduled to start on Monday 16 January for approximately 3 weeks, weather permitting, and will primarily be undertaken using the traffic management for the A34 Barton Carrier Bridge joint work. Some activities will be carried out during day-time hours where possible without the need for traffic management.

A34 Chieveley Carriageway Maintenance
Essential carriageway maintenance work to address surface defects will take place on the northbound carriageway of the A34 by Fir Tree Farm near Chieveley. The work is scheduled to start on Wednesday 18 January for two nights, and will be undertaken using a lane closure between 10pm and 5.30am. There will be a temporary speed limit of 40mph on the approach to the lane closure, and a speed limit of 10mph past the work site.

A34 Road Sign Posts Renewal Scheme
Work continues this week on a scheme to replace traffic signs posts at 327 locations along the entire length of the A34 between Winchester and the M40 Junction 9 interchange. The posts are showing signs of extensive deterioration or damage, and are being replaced to ensure continued safety for road users.

Work started on Monday 9 January, and will take approximately 15 weeks to complete. The work is being carried out using an overnight lane closure on both the northbound and southbound carriageways between 9pm and 6am (Monday to Thursday) and 10pm to 6am (Friday).

M4 Junctions 5 – 6 Datchet
Major Maintenance Scheme Major maintenance work continues this week on a two mile section of the M4 between junctions 5 and 6, near Slough in Berkshire. Safety barriers along the road will be upgraded and extended, drainage will be improved and the eastbound carriageway will be resurfaced. Work started on 6 December and is expected to be completed mid-February 2012.

There are narrow lanes in place on both carriageways of the M4 with a 50mph speed limit is in place, enforced by average speed cameras. Three lanes will remain open in each direction during peak hours, and a free recovery service is available.

M4 Junctions 11 – 12 Structure
Access Work Work is continuing this week to install concrete access steps at two bridges next to where the M4 motorway crosses the River Kennet between junctions 11 and 12. These steps will improve accessibility and safety for future maintenance activities. The hard-shoulders on both the eastbound and westbound carriageways will be closed between 9am and 5pm for the work to be carried out.

M4 Junctions 13 to 12 Carriageway Maintenance
Essential carriageway maintenance work to address surface defects will take place in lanes 1 and 2 of the eastbound carriageway of the M4 between the Maidenhatch Farm Bridge and the Tidmarsh Road Bridge near Bradfield (junctions 13 to 12). The work is scheduled to start on Friday 20 January for five nights (Mon-Fri only), and will be undertaken using varied lane closures between 10pm and 5.30am.

M4 Junction 14 – 15 Baydon Central Reservation
Concrete Barrier Scheme Work to upgrade the safety barrier in the central reservation along a 4.1 mile section of the M4 between junctions 14 and 15, from the Baydon Road Bridge and the Peaks Downs Bridge, near Baydon, continues this week. The existing steel barrier is being replaced with a concrete barrier, the drainage system in the central reservation and on the road verges is being improved, with new protection for the bridge piers at Peaks Down and Goor Lane bridges installed.

Work started on Monday 14 November, and is expected to take around 10 weeks to complete. There are narrow lanes in place on both carriageways of the M4 24 hours a day and a 50mph speed limit is in place. Three lanes will remain open on both carriageways during peak hours, and a free recovery service is available.

A3 Hindhead
This major improvement scheme is now open to traffic. Dates of closures will be signed in advance at the tunnel.

Work to remove the traffic signals on the old A3 and replace them with a mini double roundabout is making good progress, and the new mini roundabouts are now open to traffic. Work continues on London Road in Hindhead Village, away from the junction.

The project team would like to thank the local community for their continued co-operation and understanding whilst these final stages of work are carried out.

M3 Junctions 3-4 Drainage
Work to maintain the drainage system on the northbound M3 between junctions 3 and 4, near Camberley in Surrey started on Monday 24 October. The work will improve safety by reducing the risk of standing water on the carriageway and will be carried out each day using a hard shoulder closure. It is expected to be complete by the end of January.

M3 Junction 4 Bridge Maintenance
Maintenance work on the Blackwater Valley Viaduct, on the M3 at Junction 4 near Frimley, continues this week. The work will repair concrete on the bridge structure and maintain the safety and long-term serviceability of the structure. The hard shoulder across the bridge will be closed throughout the work, and there will be narrow lanes in place on the A331 under the bridge. Work is expected to be complete in March.

M27 Junction 2 to 3 Bridge Deck Resurfacing
A scheme to replace the road surface over Station Road Bridge, Nursling House Subway and the River Test Bridge, all on the M27 between junctions 2 and 3 near Southampton, continues this week. The bridges will also be re-waterproofed, protecting the long term viability of the structures.

Three lanes will remain open at all peak times, although they will be narrowed and a contraflow will be used. A 50mph speed limit will be in place, enforced by average speed cameras, and wide or heavy vehicles will be restricted to lane 1. There will also be overnight slip road closures as required, which will be in place between 10pm and 6am. Clearly signed diversions will be in place during these times. Work is expected to be complete in February.

A31 Bere Regis to Roundhouse Closures
Carriageway maintenance work will take place on both carriageways of the A31 between the Bere Regis and Roundhouse roundabouts from Monday 16 January for five nights. Work will be undertaken between 10pm and 5.30am, during which there will be a full closure of the A31 between each roundabout. During the closures there will be a clearly signed diversion route in place which will direct traffic along the A35 and A350 Poole Road.

A3 Thursley to Milford
Works to repaint the road markings and renew road studs on the A3 between Thursley and Milford in Surrey will take place from Wednesday 18 January for 6 nights (10pm – 6am). There will be lane closures and a temporary speed limit of 10 mph through the work site, with a speed limit of 40 mph on the approach to the lane closures.

A31 Corfe Mullen to Candys Lane
Vegetation clearance work to improve visibility on the east and westbound verges of the A31between Corfe Mullen and Candys Lane in Dorset will take place from 16 January until 10 February. The work will be carried out under a combination of day and night working using lane closures.

Work to realign the steel safety barriers starts on Friday night, 13 January, and continues for 11 nights including Monday 23 January. The junction 23 anti-clockwise entry slip road and the junction 22 anti-clockwise entry and exit slip roads will be closed overnight between 10pm and 5am. During these times there will be a contraflow system in operation on the anti-clockwise carriageway.

Work will then start to upgrade the central reservation between junctions 23 and 21a.

Three narrow lanes will be available in each direction between junctions 21a and 23 during busy times, with off-peak lane and slip road closures as required, mostly overnight. A 50mph speed restriction is in place operating 24 hours a day. A free recovery service is available.

M25 Junction 27 to Junction 30
Work to widen the M25 from three lanes to four between junctions 27 and 30 continues this week. Work is underway on the final phase of the widening, between Junctions 29 and 30.

Three lanes will be available in each direction between junctions 29 and 30 during busy times, with off-peak lane closures as required, mostly overnight.

A contraflow will be in place on the anti clockwise carriageway between junctions 30 and 29. Drivers wishing to exit at junction 29 should use lane 1 or lane 2. Drivers in lane 3 will be in contraflow and will not be able to exit at junction 29.

A 50mph speed restriction is in place operating 24 hours a day. A free recovery service is available.

M25 Cobham Motorway Service Area
Work to build the slip roads which will serve a new motorway service area near junction 10 continues this week. Traffic on the clockwise carriageway is being diverted onto a 900 metre of temporary carriageway, with anti-clockwise traffic in contraflow while an underpass is built beneath the motorway. Narrow lanes and a 50mph limit are in place on both sides of the road, enforced by average speed cameras.

M25 Junction 9
The clockwise exit slip road will be closed for two nights from Monday 16 January from 10pm to 5.30am for road marking work. A diversion route will be fully signposted to Junction 10 and return.

M25 Junction 15 and M4 Junction 4
The M4 westbound link road to the M25 clockwise will be closed for nine nights (10pm to 5.30am) from Thursday 19 January for repair work.

M25 Junction 29
The clockwise entry slip road will be closed for two nights (10pm to 5.30am) from Wednesday 18 January from for work to be carried out on the gantry. A diversion route will be fully signposted to Junction 28.

M25 Junction 30
The anti-clockwise entry slip road will be closed for four nights (10pm to 5:30am) from Monday 16 January for improvement work. A diversion route will be fully signposted via the A13, A128, A127 to Junction 29.

M25 Junction 14 & Heathrow Terminal 5
The spur road will be closed from the T5 roundabout to the M25 in both directions for two nights (10pm to 5:30am) from Tuesday 17 January for retexturing repair work. A diversion route will be fully signposted via the perimeter roads and the A3113 to M25 Junction 14.

A282 (M25) Dartford – Thurrock Crossing
Date Time Closure detail

• 16/01/12 – 19/01/12 8.30pm to 5.30am Northbound West Tunnel
• 19/01/12 – 20/01/12 10pm to 5.30am Northbound West Tunnel
• 20/01/12 – 21/01/12 11pm to 5.30am   Northbound East Tunnel
• 21/01/12 – 23/01/12 8.30pm to 5.30am Northbound West Tunnel

A fully signposted diversion route will be in place for oversized vehicles for the northbound east tunnel closure.

M25 Junction 1b
The junction 1b southbound entry slip road will be closed overnight (10pm to 5am) on Wednesday 18 January for litter clearance. A diversion route will be fully signposted.

M25 Junction 1b
The junction 1b southbound exit slip road will be closed overnight (10pm to 5am) on Wednesday 18 January for safety barrier/fence repairs. A diversion route will be fully signposted

M25 Junction 2
The junction 2 southbound exit slip road will be closed overnight (10pm to 5am) on Thursday 19 January for litter clearance. A diversion route will be fully signposted.

M25 Junction 2
The junction 2 southbound link road to the A2 eastbound will be closed overnight (10pm to 5am) on Thursday 19 January for litter clearance. A diversion route will be fully signposted

M25 Junction 1a
The junction 1a southbound entry and clockwise exit slip roads will be closed overnight (11pm to 5am) on Friday 20 January for litter clearance. A diversion route will be fully signposted

M1 Junction 4 to Junction 1
The southbound carriageway, along with the junction 1 and 2 exit slip roads and the junction 3 entry and exit slip roads will be closed for 12 nights from Friday 13 January from 10pm until 6am for bridge maintenance work. On Friday night work will start at 11pm. Works will be suspended over the weekend. A diversion route will be fully signposted.

A406/M11
The A406 westbound link road to the M11 northbound link road will be closed overnight (10pm to 5.30am) on Thursday 19 January for bridge maintenance work. A diversion route will be fully signposted via Woodford waterworks roundabout and return.

The restriction is a precautionary measure after routine inspections of the bridge identified that strengthening work may be needed in the future. The weight restriction will protect the integrity of the bridge while this is investigated further.

All vehicles over 18 tonnes will be required to follow a short diversion via the A21 northbound to Morleys Interchange, where they will be directed to return on the southbound carriageway and enter Tonbridge using the southbound exit slip road at Vauxhall Lane Interchange. Bus operators and emergency services vehicles are still able to use the route.

A21 Embankment Repair
Work is being carried out this week to strengthen an embankment on the A21 near Tonbridge in Kent. There are no restrictions on the A21, but parking has been suspended on sections of two local roads near Hildenborough – the B2027 and Lower Street.

A2 Copthorne Roundabout Resurfacing
Work to resurface the A27 Copthorne Roundabout and replace road markings, road studs and traffic loops started on Wednesday 11 January and is due to be complete on Wednesday 18 January. It is being carried out between 8pm and 6am each week night.

A 50mph speed limit will be in place on the Londonbound A2 on approach to the roadworks, with a convoy system past the work site itself.

For some periods the roundabout will be closed, with fully signed diversion routes in place via the A256 Whitfield Roundabout and the A20 Townhall Street.

A249 Brielle Way, Sheerness – Southern Water work
Temporary two-way traffic lights will be in operation from 9.30am Wednesday 18 January on the A249 Brielle Way, from its junction with the B2007 to its junction with the A250. This is for water main improvement and replacement of four heavy duty manhole covers; the work is being carried out on behalf of Southern Water.

The work is due to be completed, and the lights removed, by the evening of Thursday 19 January.

A2 Brenley Corner Roundabout Carriageway Resurfacing
Work to Resurface the carriageway at Brenley Corner Roundabout and install road markings, road studs and traffic detector loops will take place on Monday 16, Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 January.

It will be carried out between 8pm and 6am each night.

The work will be carried out with various slip road closures and short diversion routes in place.

When the M2 coastbound exit slip road is closed road users will continue on the A299 to the next junction to return on the Londonbound carriageway to use the Londonbound exit slip road.

When the M2 coastbound exit slip road and the M2 coastbound entry slip road are closed there will be three diversion routes in operation:

• Road users wishing to exit using the coastbound slip road will follow the diversion route described above;
• Road users from the A2 Londonbound wishing to go north on the A299 will be directed to continue Londonbound on the M2 to junction 6 to return on the coastbound carriageway to continue onto the northbound A299;
• Non-motorway users from the A2 Londonbound wishing to go north on the A299 will be directed to continue on to the A2 Londonbound, the B2040 heading north, and Graveney Road coastbound on to Whitstable Road to join the A299.

A2 Cobham coastbound entry slip roads resurfacing
Work to resurface the coastbound entry slip road on to, and the exit slip road off the A2 at Cobham will take place between Monday 16 and Wednesday 18 January between 8pm and 6am each night.

The work also includes the installation of road markings, road studs and traffic detector loops. It will be carried out under slip road closures; fully signed diversion routes will be in place.

When the coastbound entry slip road is closed road users will be directed on to the Londonbound entry slip road to continue on the Londonbound carriageway to the Marling Cross Interchange, to return on the coastbound carriageway.

When the coastbound exit slip road is closed road users will be directed to continue on the coastbound carriageway to exit at the M2 junction 1, return on the Londonbound carriageway, and exit using the Londonbound exit slip road.

A23 Patcham Interchange Signing Improvements
Work to resurface and alter the existing signs and road markings on the A23/A27 Patcham Interchange will start on Wednesday 18 January and continue for three weeks.

The work will take place between 8pm and 6am weekday nights

There will be various lane closures in place through the junction. At times throughout the works there will be closures of access from Mill Road Roundabout and the A27 bridge for a maximum of one night each. During these times short fully signed diversion routes will be in place.

A27 Old Shoreham Road Resurfacing
Work to repair the cracks in the road, resurface and replace road markings, road studs and traffic detector loops on the eastbound carriageway of Old Shoreham Road between its junction with Hoe Court Road and Coombes Road in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex will take place between Wednesday 18 and Tuesday 24 January.

It will take place between 8pm and 6am each weekday night

There will be lane closures on the eastbound carriageway with temporary traffic lights and a 40mph speed limit in operation. Road users will be escorted past the work using the other available lane at 10mph.

A23 Handcross Hill Resurfacing
Localised resurfacing work will take place on the A23 on both carriageways between Handcross Hill and Hickstead between Monday 16 and Friday 20 January. Work will start on the northbound carriageway, followed by the southbound carriageway.

Weather permitting, each carriageway should be complete in approximately two nights. If bad weather is experienced work will be carried out on contingency dates of 20 and 23 January. Work will take place between 8pm and 6am each night

While the work is being carried out the relevant carriageway will be closed and clearly signed diversion routes will be in place. When the southbound carriageway is closed road users will be diverted at Junction 11 of the M23 on to local roads to join the A23 at Bolney Interchange.

Northbound road users will follow the same diversion route in the opposite direction.

During the carriageway closures, slip roads on to the A23 will also be closed and road users directed to join the main diversion routes as above.

A21 Whatlington Resurfacing
Resurfacing work continues on the A21 near Whatlington Garage in East Sussex between 8pm and 6am each weekday night.

There will be lane closures with temporary traffic lights and a 40mph speed limit in place. Road users will be escorted past the works at 10mph.

Work is due to be complete by Monday 23 January.

The works will involve the resurfacing of the A453 and the renewal of road markings and studs. Work will start on 22 January and finish in late February. All activity will take place at night to reduce disruption for road users. Diversion routes will be clearly signposted.

Highways Agency project manager, Len Murray said:

“Subject to the outcome of the statutory processes, work to widen the A453 route is expected to start before 2015. However, any widening works would take around two and a half years and for the majority of this time the existing road would remain is use. This resurfacing work between junction 24 of the M1 and the Crusader Island is therefore essential to maintain the road in a safe and serviceable condition.

“The road surface is now showing the effects of high traffic levels, which if not addressed is likely to result in increasingly frequent and more severe road surface failures. This resurfacing work has been designed to keep the road surface in a safe and serviceable condition until work starts on the major widening scheme. Once the work is complete, road users will benefit from a much improved road surface."

The Highways Agency is working closely with the local authorities and transport providers, and works have been been planned carefully in order to keep disruption to the minimum.

Len Murray added:

“We will endeavour to complete the work as quickly and efficiently as possible, and we are carrying it out overnight to reduce the impact on road users.”

NEW WORK

M1 MILTON KEYNES MAINTENANCE WORK
Work to install crossover gates on the M1 between junctions 14 and 15 near Milton Keynes is due to start on Monday 9 January. The work will be carried out overnight between 9pm and 6am Mondays to Saturdays for six nights and will involve lane closures on both north and southbound carriageways. The crossover gates will be for use in emergency situations.

A1/A1(M) CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND BEDFORDSHIRE SIGN RENEWAL WORK
A scheme starts on Monday 9 January to remove damaged signs and replace with new signs on the A1 and A1(M) between Alconbury and Baldock. The work will be carried out overnight between 8pm and 6am on Mondays to Fridays until completion at the end of February. While the work is taking place there will be lane 1 closures as well as sliproad and side road closures. Where sliproad closures are in place there will be clearly signed short diversion routes.

A11 THETFORD BYPASS NORTHBOUND CLOSURES FOR PATCH RESURFACING
Work to resurface the northbound carriageway of the A11 Thetford bypass will be carried out over four nights from Monday 9 January. On Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 January the northbound carriageway will be closed overnight between 8pm and 6am from the A11/A1075 London Road roundabout to the A11/A134/A1066 Mundford Road roundabout. Northbound through traffic will be diverted off the A11 onto the A1075 London Road through Thetford to re-join the A11 at the A1075 Norwich Road roundabout. On Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 January the A11 northbound carriageway will be closed from the A11/A134/A1066 Mundford Road roundabout to the A11/A1075 Norwich Road roundabout between the hours of 8pm and 6am. There will be a clearly signed diversion via the A1066 Mundford Road south through Thetford to join the A1075 Norwich Road northbound to rejoin the A11 at the Norwich Road roundabout.

A12 ESSEX BRIDGE SURVEY WORK ON CHELMSFORD BYPASS
Survey work will take place over four nights from Monday 9 January on the Gay Bowers footbridge and Baddow Park bridge between junctions 16 and 17 (Chelmsford bypass). The work will be carried out overnight between 8pm and 6am. It will involve one lane closed on the A12 southbound through the works area on Monday and Tuesday night then one lane closed northbound on Wednesday and Thursday night.

A14 HUNTINGDON – WEEKEND CARRIAGEWAY CLOSURES FOR BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS
Improvement work on four bridges on the A14 near Huntingdon is set to start on Friday 13 January. The work will be carried out on the Ouse viaduct, River Ouse bridge and Cow Lane bridges between junction 23 Spittals Interchange and junction 24 Godmanchester. The A14 will be closed between these junctions, in one direction only, for seven consecutive weekends: the westbound carriageway will be closed for four consecutive weekends between 10pm on Friday nights, starting on Friday 13 January, and 5am on Monday mornings. The eastbound carriageway closures will be at the same times for three consecutive weekends, starting on Friday 10 February. There will also be up to eight weekday overnight closures. Clearly signed diversion routes eastbound will be in place via the A1 Brampton Hut and the A428 St Neots to re-join the A14 at Girton Interchange, with the westbound diversion in reverse.

ONGOING WORK

M1 J6a to J10 HERTFORDSHIRE SIGN INSTALLATION WORK
Work to install remote controlled signs for temporary traffic management on the central reservation of the M1 started on Monday 5 December. Installation of the signs, which will allow clearer warning of temporary lane closures for roadworks, will be carried out overnight on Monday nights only between 10pm and 5am for nine nights, with completion due in mid February. While the overnight work is taking place there will be lane closures on the M1 between junction 6a and junction 9 (Harpenden).

M1 J10 TO J13 BEDFORDSHIRE HARD SHOULDER RUNNING SCHEME
The following work is being carried out as part of the M1 J10 to J13 Managed Motorway scheme to provide additional capacity by opening up the hard shoulder as a running lane. There will be overnight sliproad closures at Junctions 11 and 13 as follows:

• Junction 11, Northbound entry and exit sliproad: Monday 9 January; Junction 11, Northbound exit sliproad; southbound entry sliproad: Tuesday 10, Wednesday 11, Thursday 12 January;
• Junction 11, Southbound exit and entry sliproads: Friday 13 January;
• Junction 13, Southbound entry and exit sliproads: Tuesday 10 to Saturday 14 January.

A contraflow is in operation on the M1 between junctions 12 and 13. During peak hours three lanes will remain open in both directions. A contraflow remains in operation from north of Junction 11 to Junction 12, diverting a lane of southbound traffic onto the northbound carriageway. Traffic on the northbound carriageway is using the hard shoulder as an additional lane. This allows for three lanes of traffic in each direction during the day whilst work takes place. This will continue until November 2011. Between Junction 10 and 11 there are currently three lanes of traffic in each direction during the day utilising the hardshoulder, lane 1 and lane 2 to allow access to the works in the central reserve. There is a 50mph speed restriction in force between junctions 10 and 13. The enforced 50mph speed limit is there for the safety of the travelling public and the workforce on site. This traffic management is in place for the work on the Hard Shoulder Running scheme to reduce congestion and improve safety on the 15 mile stretch of the M1 in Bedfordshire. Motorists are advised to allow extra time for their journeys whilst the road works are taking place.

A1 BEDS/HERTS DRAINAGE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE WORK
Work continues to clean drainage to reduce flooding and survey the drainage system on the A1 in Beds and Herts. The work will be carried out overnight only between 8pm and 6am on Mondays to Fridays until completion in late January. There will be lane closures and a 50 mph speed restriction in place during the lane closures. There will also be sliproad closures at the following locations: Edworth Turn southbound, Edworth Road northbound, Astwick Road, northbound, Hinxworth Turn southbound, Taylors Road northbound, Stotfold Road southbound and Wrayfields Road northbound. There will be clearly signed diversions for each sliproad closure.

A1 BEDFORDSHIRE RENEWAL OF LIGHTING COLUMNS
Work continues to replace the lighting columns and associated cabling between columns on the A1 between the Sandy Roundabout and Astwick. The work will take place overnight between 8pm and 6am, Mondays to Fridays only, until mid January with the third phase taking place until Thursday 12 January. This phase will involve lane closures on both the north and southbound carriageways between Sandy Roundabout and the Biggleswade North roundabout.

SPEED LIMIT ON A1 SOUTHBOUND AND NORTHBOUND NEAR PETERBOROUGH
A 50mph speed restriction remains in place on the southbound and northbound carriageway of the A1 at Water Newton for safety reasons.

A120 ESSEX DRAINAGE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE WORK
Overnight routine maintenance work continues on the A120 through Essex to clear drainage channels along the A120 between Braintree and Harwich (working west to east). While this work takes place in short sections each night between 8pm and 6am, temporary traffic signals, affecting both directions, will be in place past the section being worked on. From Monday 9 January the work will be carried out on the section at Bradwell working on the single carriageway sections towards Marks Tey and then single carriageway sections of the A120 west towards Harwich.

A14 CAMBRIDGESHIRE DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE WORK
Work started on Monday 14 November on the A14 between St Ives (junction 26) and Fen Ditton (junction 34) to survey and cleanse the drainage system alongside the carriageway. The work will be carried out overnight only on Mondays to Fridays with lane closures and a 50mph speed restriction where the lane closures are in place. Sliproads will also be closed one at a time for one night only where the work is taking place. The work is ongoing until March.

A14 SUFFOLK SPEED RESTRICTION AT TRIMLEY INTERCHANGE
A 50mph speed restriction has been introduced on the eastbound and westbound carriageways of the A14 at Trimley Interchange (junction 59) while investigations are carried out on both nearside verges and central reservation.

A14/A12 COPDOCK INTERCHANGE & A14/A154 DOCK SPUR ROUNDABOUT IMPROVEMENTS
The traffic signals at both Copdock Interchange and the Dock Spur Roundabout are now operational and traffic management and speed restrictions have been removed. The timings of the signals have been subject to an initial review to minimize queuing and a further review will be undertaken once traffic flows have settled and road users are accustomed to the new road configuration. There will be occasional night time lane closures over the next few weeks at both junctions as necessary to complete outstanding works. The scheme has been designed to accommodate additional traffic generated by the Port of Felixstowe expansion and is being funded by the Felixstowe Dock and Railway Company.

The work, which is due to start on Friday 13 January, will be carried out on the Ouse viaduct, River Ouse bridge and Cow Lane bridges between junction 23 Spittals Interchange and junction 24 Godmanchester.

It will involve carriageway repairs and replacing the joints which allow the structures to expand and contract with seasonal changes in temperature.

The A14 will be closed between the junctions, in one direction only, for seven consecutive weekends. There will also be a limited number of weekday overnight closures with work expected to be completed by the middle of March, weather permitting. Clearly signed diversions will be in place.

Paul Sinfield, Highways Agency project sponsor, said:

“Safety is our top priority and by replacing the joints on the bridges which carry the A14 over the River Ouse near Godmanchester we will ensure that safety is maintained on this busy trunk road. Periodic maintenance of this kind is essential, and by doing this work now we will minimise the risk of unplanned closures of the A14 in the future.

“The most efficient and quickest way to carry out this work is by closing the carriageway at weekends and overnight when traffic flows are at their lowest. We advise drivers affected by it and by the diversion to allow extra time for their journey and take extra care when travelling along the diversion route.”

The westbound carriageway will be closed from junction 24 Godmanchester to the Spittals Interchange (junction 23) for four consecutive weekends between 10pm on Friday nights, starting on Friday 13 January, and 5am on Monday mornings, The eastbound carriageway weekend closures will start on Friday 10 February for three weekends between 10pm on Friday nights and 5am on Monday mornings. There will also be up to eight overnight closures on either the westbound or eastbound carriageway on Mondays to Thursdays between 9pm and 6am, exact dates to be confirmed.

The diversion routes, via the A1 and A428, are expected to add an extra 10 miles to journeys. This diversion route was selected as the most direct route for traffic leaving the A14 and means that diverted traffic will remain on roads suitable for that level of traffic.

A590, Ulverston to Lindal-in Furness
Work is taking place to upgrade traffic lights at five locations on the A590 between Ulverston and Lindal-in-Furness. The existing lights are being replaced by new energy-saving LED signals, which will be more visible to drivers in bright, sunny conditions and should require less maintenance. Temporary traffic and pedestrian crossing lights will be installed, so that people can continue to cross the road safely. There will be some lane closures with traffic from each direction taking it in turns to travel through the roadworks. The project is being carried out during the day between 9.30am and 4pm, to avoid peak hours, and is due to be completed by the end of January.

ONGOING SCHEMES

M6 Junction 18
There will be overnight lane closures in both directions between Junctions 17 and 18 on the M6 and overnight closures of the sliproads at Junction 18 for routine maintenance work. The closures will take place from 10pm to 5am and signed diversions will be in place during these times. The work is scheduled for completion by 27 January 2012.

M62 Junctions 9 – 11 and M6 Junction 21a
A project is underway to improve drainage, lighting, barriers and surfacing on the M62 from Junctions 9 to 11, and on the M6 at Junction 21a. The work is being carried out 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with a 50mph speed limit in place. During the current phase of the work the eastbound carriageway will be closed between Junction 10 at Croft Interchange and Junction 11 at Birchwood between 10pm and 5am each night. The slip roads from the M6 north and southbound carriageways at Junction 21 onto the eastbound M62 will be closed each night from 8pm. Signed diversions will be in place during these times. When the central reservation barrier work has been completed, a 50mph speed restriction will remain in place for safety reasons while work is carried out on the hard shoulder. The scheme is scheduled for completion in Spring 2012.

M53 Junction 1, Bidston Moss
There will be various lane closures in both directions at Bidston Moss Viaduct for bridge repairs. Work continues until the end of March 2012.

M53 Junctions 4 – 9, Wirral
There are four miles of roadworks running from south of Junction 4 at Bebington to just beyond Junction 9 at Ellesmere Port. A 50mph speed limit is in place on all lanes while essential bridge repairs are carried out on the Eastham Viaduct at Junction 5, and safety work, including a new barrier, takes place between Junctions 8 and 9 at Ellesmere Port. The work requires occasional lane closures and periods of contraflow. Alternate overnight carriageway closures will be in place for short periods during the middle and end of the scheme for the installation and removal of traffic management equipment. Clearly signed diversions will be in place at all times. The scheme is due for completion by 11 February 2012.

A38 Marley Head, South Brent: Westbound lane closure 1900 – 0600 hrs for resurfacing (9-12 Jan)

A38 Marley Head to Ivybridge: Westbound carriageway closure 2000 – 0600 hrs for resurfacing. Diversion via Avonwick, Kitterford & Ivybridge. (9-12 Jan)

A38 Ivybridge: Eastbound lane closure 1900 – 0400 hrs for tree works (10-12 Jan)

A38 South Brent: Eastbound lane closure 1900 – 0400 hrs for tree works (12-14 Jan)

A38 Smithaleigh jct, nr Lee Mill: Westbound lane closure 1900 – 0600 hrs for resurfacing. (12-13 Jan)

A38 Smithaleigh jct, nr Lee Mill: Westbound carriageway closure between exit and entry slips 2000 – 0600 hrs for resurfacing. (12-13 Jan)

A38 St Budeaux, Plymouth: Westbound lane closure 2000 – 0600 hrs for electrical works. (12-13 Jan)

A38 Plympton to Lee Mill: Eastbound convoy working 2000 – 0500 hrs for resurfacing works (13-14 Jan)

A38 White Lodge in the Glynn Valley, east of Bodmin: Narrow lanes & 30 mph speed restriction for safety. (16 Dec-31 Jan 2012)

A38 Glynn Lodge, nr Bodmin Parkway Station: Traffic signals 0930 – 1530 hrs Monday to Friday for drainage works (9 Jan – 10 Feb)

A38 Landrake to Notter Bridge, nr Saltash: Traffic signals 2000 – 0500 hrs for resurfacing (9-10 Jan)

A38 Between Tideford & Trerulefoot, nr Saltash: Eastbound & westbound carriageway closure 2000 – 0600 hrs for resurfacing. Diversion via B3249 (10-11 Jan)

A38 Latchbrook to Carkeel, Saltash: Eastbound lane closure 2000 – 0600 hrs for maintenance works. (12-15 Jan)

A38 Saltash Tunnel to Carkeel: Eastbound & westbound carriageway closures 2000 – 0600 hrs for maintenance works. Signed diversion via Saltash. The westbound closure will extend to Latchbrook. (12-15 Jan)

A30 Longrock Bypass, east of Penzance: Eastbound lane closure 0930 – 1300 hrs for barrier repairs (9 Jan)

A30 Carminow, Bodmin: Eastbound lane closure 1100 – 1600 hrs for drainage works (9 Jan)

A30 Fraddon, west of Bodmin: 24 hr eastbound lane closure for safety (10-11 Jan)