Better information for your journey
The National Traffic Control Centre collects real-time information on road conditions.
The Project Control Framework
On 1st April 2008 we launched the Project Control Framework. The Framework sets out how we, together with the Department for Transport, manage and deliver major improvement projects.
Traffic news on your desktop
Helpful ways to access the latest traffic information when you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What consultation has there been to date?
There was widespread consultation during the study that lead to the publication of the ORBIT Report in 2002.
What are you doing now?
We are identifying the existing environmental conditions and developing the design in conjunction with Statutory Environmental Bodies like the Environment Agency, Natural England and other organisations such as the Emergency Services and local authorities. We will publish our findings and the impact of our proposals in an Environmental Statement.
How can the public participate further?
We welcome comment and suggestions and these can be made by e-mail or by writing to us – see 'Contact Information and Map' page. We will hold exhibitions locally when we publish the Environmental Statement and we will advertise the dates and times of these exhibitions and the locations where documents may be viewed. There will be a formal period of 12 weeks during which comment can be made. Please note that others will be able to read any comments made.
What is a Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) contract?
It is a form of contract where the Agency pays for a service: the DBFO Company will design and build the improvements or new road. The DBFO Company raises the capital he needs (finance) to build the improvements or new road.
The DBFO Company will maintain (operate) the new and other roads covered by the contract. The service payments made by the Agency cover the costs of: Operation and Maintenance; the capital works and financing
When would the work start?
This will depend on whether the Secretary of State decides the scheme should proceed. He will consider the Environmental Statement and the comments received before making a decision.
How long would the work take?
We would carry out the widening work in sections and over approximately 7 years in total.
What about the London 2012 Olympics?
We will suspend work for the period of the games and the M25 carriageway will be cleared of roadworks.
What about disruption during construction?
We will assess the likely effects and report these in the Environmental Statement along with the actions we will take to offset them.
How would we keep traffic moving during the work?
During busy times, we would keep all lanes open. At quieter times, we may close some lanes. This would help us work as quickly as possible.
Will you need my land / property?
No - we have been asked to achieve widening within land we own.
Can I claim for compensation?
Possibly, but the period for making claims would not start until after the widening has been carried out.
Why is the scheme needed?
Every day nearly 200,000 vehicles use parts 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 would make journey times more reliable and improve safety. We would also help to provide a transport system that works both now and in the future.
What would be the impact of the work?
- Traffic flowing more smoothly resulting in fewer accidents.
- Lower noise levels because of a new lower-noise road surface.
- Improved drainage providing better water quality
- New lighting which meets the level needed for a four-lane motorway, while minimising the impact on local homes.
Before we start building, we would prepare and follow a Construction Environmental Management Plan. This sets out how work must be done, and helps us meet the UK's environmental laws.
