National Highways are set to close roads for longer in a bold new effort to reduce the impact of road works. The new measures will consider increasing the number of full closures on motorways and major A roads.
The organisation wants to complete works quickly compared to months or even years of partial closures of roads. It would mean National Highways would build more structures off site and lift them on to the road.
Other measures include increasing the speed limits past work sites where it is safe to do so as well as clearer messaging for drivers. They will also add more effective diversion routes and declutter the roadside.
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The new approach is designed to save taxpayers money and minimise the impact on local communities and drivers. It is likely to lower carbon emissions from construction sites and minimise the risks to worker safety.
The construction of a bridge over the M42 will see the new measures put in place. The road will be closed over the Christmas period as an alternative to 18 months of lane closures, narrow lanes and speed restrictions along with more than 100 overnight closures.
Full road closures will remain the exception rather than the norm for National Highways. It recognises the potential short-term impact on local communities and businesses as well as disruption to nearby roads caused by diversion routes.
However, project managers are being asked to consider the approach as part of the planning for forthcoming schemes. Laura Baker, Customer Service Director for Major Projects, said: "Our roads are the most heavily used in the country and millions of people rely on them every day for business, leisure and visiting friends and family.
"It’s vital that we undertake an intensive programme of maintenance and improvements to keep them as safe and reliable as possible. We already aim to carry out this work in the least disruptive way possible by prioritising times when traffic levels are low, including overnight and at weekends.
"However, prolonged roadworks can be stressful for drivers and local communities so we’re committed to exploring other ways to further minimise the impact."
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