Highways Agency - Safe roads, Reliable journeys, Informed travellers

Related Pages:

• M25 Junction 1b - 3

Why was the scheme needed?

This section of the M25 is an important link to the east and south east of London. To the north, it leads to the Dartford Crossing; at Junction 2 it leads to the A2 and Thames Gateway development areas; at Junction 3 it links with the M20.

Every day nearly 135,000 vehicles use this section of the M25 - which is more than the road was built for. Traffic moves slowly, especially at busy times of the day. By widening the road, we have made journey times more reliable and improved safety. We have helped to provide a transport system that works both now and in the future.

What has happened?

• Widening of the M25 between Junction 2 (south slip road) and Junction 3 (M20 link), from three lanes to four lanes in each direction.
• Widening of the M25 going south between Junctions 1b and 2, from two lanes to three lanes.
• Building the new lanes over the current hard shoulders with new hard shoulders built alongside, except under or over bridges (all within the current highway boundary).

What is the impact of the work?

• Traffic flowing more smoothly will result in fewer accidents.
• Lower noise levels because of a new lower-noise road surface.
• The Hawley Road area will benefit from Environmental Barriers that help to reduce the visual impact of the motorway.
• Improved drainage means that no water flows from the M25 into the River Darent.
• New lighting which meets the level needed for a four-lane motorway, while minimising the impact on local homes.

How have we managed environmental impacts?

Before we started building, we prepared and followed a Construction Environmental Management Plan. This set out how work must be done, and helped us meet the UK's environmental laws.