19 June 2012

M25 Major Improvement Scheme Completed

Monday 18th June marked the official completion of the M25 major improvement scheme to increase capacity between junctions 16 to 23 and junctions 27 to 30, in addition to the refurbishment of the Hatfield Tunnel which completed in Summer 2011. Both widened sections were opened ahead of programme and in plenty of time for the Olympic Games.

Drivers on the M25 are now benefiting from 38 miles of increased capacity as the two widening schemes, in Hertfordshire and Essex, saw the addition of a fourth lane in each direction.

The widening projects have seen more than 11 million man hours worked; and the installation of 125 gantries, including the largest in single span gantry in Europe. Around 130,000 trees, shrubs and plants have been planted and more than 2,800 animals moved to new habitats.

One of the project’s many achievements has been the use of recycled material in the construction of the additional lanes. At least 90% of the aggregates used in the widening have been recycled.

Delighted Highways Agency Chief Executive Graham Dalton commented:"Our motorways are the backbone of Britain, getting people to and from work, powering the economy and keeping families connected. Increasing capacity on the M25 will tackle congestion, help keep traffic moving and improve journey time reliability."