A major study to boost transport infrastructure across the south-east has just been launched with the UK Government investing £15 billion to create 1,300 extra miles of lanes up until 2020 in the biggest upgrade to the road network in a generation, to deliver better journeys for drivers.

The work, which will look at ways to improve the performance of the transport network between junctions 10 and 16 of the M25, is one of 6 strategic studies the Department for Transport has commissioned, and work is already underway on the other 5. 

Highways England has appointed WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff, Steer Davies Gleave and GL Hearn to complete the project.

The team will prepare a case to consider further investment on this part of the M25.

The study will consider a range of different options to ensure that the local road network and public transport play their part in long term transport solutions to the issues affecting the busiest part of the strategic road network in the country.

All lane running has been introduced on two sections of the M25 – between junctions 23-27 and junctions 5-7 –maintaining safety on the motorway network while delivering more reliable journeys with less congestion.

The study is due to be completed by the end of 2016.

Road Minister Andrew Jones said:

“We are making a £15 billion investment in our roads – the biggest in a generation – to deliver better journeys and put the infrastructure in place for our economy to grow.”